Newark staff outline 2026–28 budget and five‑year forecast, warn of gap when 3.25% utility tax sunsets At a March work session the city presented the 2026–28 operating budget framework and a five‑year forecast that remains balanced near term but shows a structural deficit emerging after the utility users tax (3.25% UUT) is scheduled to sunset in 2029; staff urged policy choices on reserves, pension tools and revenue options.

Newark's budget outlook looks stable for now, but a looming $1.8 million deficit awaits as the utility users tax is set to expire in 2029—are we prepared for the challenge ahead?

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City finance director says $30.1M bond measure spreads a state loan due March 3 over three years Acting Finance Director Benjamin Guzman told the council a $30.1 million refunding bond would be issued as a three‑year bond anticipation note to avoid raising taxes next year; residents raised alarms about long‑term borrowing and budget deficits.

Residents are raising alarms over the city’s $30.1 million bond measure, questioning the impact of repeated borrowing on their financial future.

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Newark council adopts 2025 municipal budget; tax rate set at $4 per $100 assessed valuation The Newark Municipal Council approved a resolution cancelling 2024 appropriation reserves and adopted the 2025 municipal budget, setting the final tax rate at $4 per $100 of assessed valuation. Council members expressed concern about late budget timing, pending labor contracts and state loans the city must repay.

Newark's Municipal Council just approved a 2025 budget that slashes the tax rate to a flat $4, but concerns loom over timing and pending labor negotiations.

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Councilman Gonzales demands budget documents ahead of Saturday hearings Councilman Gonzales urges prompt delivery of budget books for informed questions at hearings.

Councilman Gonzales is pushing for urgent access to budget documents ahead of critical hearings this Saturday—will the council be ready to make informed decisions?

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