RPU Taps More Climate Auction Money for Power Costs as Board Debates Refunds
Board members debate whether to amend the city charter so customers can get direct refunds from the utility's greenhouse gas allowance sales.
Budget & Finance
Budget Engagement Commission Considers Broader Role in City Financial Decisions
A new five-member committee will examine whether the Budget Engagement Commission should advise the City Council on revenue proposals and take a larger role in public engagement.
Third-Quarter Budget Update Reports Stable Finances Despite Cannabis Tax, Development Fee Shortfalls
Officials say the city remains financially stable, though cannabis tax revenue and development-related income continue to lag.
Council Approves New City Fee Schedule, Adds Contamination Charge
The annual update adds new fees for public records, refuse contamination and late fire inspections, and is projected to generate $862,000 in additional revenue.
Latest
City Council Approves $1.57 Billion Budget With Cuts to Public Works, Boost to Public Safety
The council approved the two-year spending plan Tuesday as the city faces projected general fund shortfalls of $27 million and $34 million over the next two fiscal years.
Board of Ethics Explores Charter Protections, Independent Appointments
An ad hoc committee is examining ways to insulate the board from political influence, including shifting appointment power to a future inspector general.
Parks Department Proposes $2.7M in Cuts to Close Budget Gap
The city's parks department is proposing $2.7 million in reductions over two years, including the elimination of the Latin Festival and scaled-back arts and recreation programming.
City Proposes 5.7% Fee Hike, Automatic Inflation Increases
A public hearing is set for June 23 on changes that would affect dozens of city services.
City Budget Plan Trims Spending, Taps Reserves to Cover $27M Shortfall
The fiscal years 2026-28 biennial budget relies on cost reductions, reserve draws and one-time fixes to address General Fund and Measure Z gaps.
Riverside Fines for Code Violations to Jump as High as $1,000 Under New Ordinance
The City Council updated an administrative fine structure that had been unchanged since 1999, raising the maximum penalty from $500 to $1,000.
Council Shrinks Budget Commission Again to Stop Meeting Cancellations
The city cut the advisory body from 13 to 10 seats Tuesday, with a further reduction to nine planned, after chronic quorum failures canceled 10 meetings since 2023.
Council Puts Sales Tax Increase on June Ballot to Fund Fire Staffing
Measure would raise Measure Z from 1% to 1.25%; residents raise concerns over spending accountability.