Members of the Oakdale City Council voted 4-0 to approve the city’s Final Budget for fiscal year 2025-26 during its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 3.

According to the staff report, General Fund revenues are projected at $13.97 million, excluding Cannabis Fund and Measure H revenues, while expenditures total $18.04 million. The city projects a General Fund balance of $7.21 million, maintaining a reserve of roughly 40 percent, consistent with council policy.

Overall General Fund expenditures are expected to grow by $1.7 million, or about 9.6 percent, compared to fiscal year 2024-25. The report attributes the increase largely to rising public safety and parks maintenance costs.

Public Safety

The city’s contract with Modesto Fire Department will cost Oakdale $444,597 more in 2025-26, an 8.22 percent increase, reflecting salary and benefit adjustments under Modesto’s new firefighter agreement. “The residents of Oakdale receive more comprehensive fire services for far less cost than if the City were to provide these services on its own,” the report noted.

Police expenditures are expected to rise $625,075, or 7.78 percent, due to higher insurance premiums, pension contributions, and wage adjustments under the Oakdale Police Officers Association agreement.

Parks and Maintenance

Park maintenance will see the largest non-public safety increase at $288,056, or 24.5 percent, to support two and a half additional staff positions. The expansion addresses understaffing concerns as the city adds new park acreage, including Greger Sports Park.

Measure H Allocations

Measure H, Oakdale’s local public safety tax, will continue to prioritize law enforcement and fire services: 59 percent of funds will support police, 34 percent fire, with smaller allocations for the senior center (1 percent), community center (2 percent), street sweeping (1 percent), and street lighting (3 percent).

The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.