City of Yuma discusses proposed $570 million budget during work session

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The City of Yuma is outlining its plan for the future as leaders discussed a proposed $570 million budget during Tuesday's City Council work session.

The Fiscal Year 2027 budget focuses on strengthening public safety, improving infrastructure and supporting long-term growth.

The proposal includes major investments in road maintenance, water and sewer lines, additional police and fire resources as the city works to keep pace with growth.

Officials say many of the projects outlined in the budget are part of a long-term strategy, meaning residents may not see immediate changes.

"There's a lot of really big investments," Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls said. "So you're actually not going to see a whole lot today. You're going to see it as it starts to build out year to year."

City leaders also discussed ongoing financial challenges tied to the state's annual expenditure limitation, which restricts how the City can use available funds, even when revenues are there.

Leaders say Yuma residents should be concerned about the limitation.

"The expenditure limitation, that Yuma is kind of bumping up on that ceiling, is something we're going to need to deal with as a city as we continue to grow," Mayor Nicholls said. "I think it's important that we remember this is not a tax increase."

In addition to the budget overview, the work session included a Yuma Police Department update, a quarterly financial briefing from the city's finance director and a presentation from Onvida Health on the future of healthcare in Yuma County.

City leaders say they are working to keep the budget balanced without raising the sales tax, which has not been increased in decades.

City Council is expected to continue discussions during its regular council meeting as leaders work to finalize the budget in the coming weeks.