Indio City Council approves $485 million budget, greenlights five-year infrastructure plan

The Indio City Council on Wednesday unanimously adopted a nearly $485 million operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and approved a five-year Capital Improvement Program totaling nearly $200 million, setting the stage for a wave of construction and infrastructure upgrades across the city.

The overall budget of $484.9 million represents a $25 million increase over the current year, driven primarily by one-time capital transfers, according to Finance Director, Ruby Walla.

“You’re going to continue to see that plan that we put together to embrace the growth, embrace the momentum that we have, and keep that moving forward,” Walla said.

The general fund — which covers most city services residents interact with directly — ends the year with a projected $1 million surplus, and reserves now stand at $19.5 million, 17.1%, above the city’s 15% minimum threshold.

Councilmember Glen Miller wondered if the city should consider contributing more than the current $500,000 contribution to the general fund.

“Maybe we need to get to $20 million [in reserve] so if we do have a downfall in the economy, we can cover our employees to make sure that we don’t cut services or cut back on our employees,” Miller said. “When things are good, I think we should put some more money back in there.”

For residents, the capital plan is where much of the tangible activity will unfold over the coming years. Street projects make up roughly 25% of the Capital Improvement Program, with the city setting aside money for two major freeway interchange projects — Monroe Street at Interstate 10 at $23.7 million and Jackson Street at $20 million. About another quarter of the capital budget is dedicated to a new police headquarters, budgeted at nearly $45 million and funded through a mix of general fund dollars and lease revenue bonds.

The plan also includes $1 million for the development skate park, a project Timothy Wassil, public works director, said will move directly into design rather than lengthy feasibility studies.

“The idea was to hire a design build contractor to help us facilitate that,” Wassil said, adding that the city will evaluate whether to site the facility at Miles Park, within future phases of Indio Sports Park, or elsewhere.

Phase 2 of the Indio Sports Park is also funded at $1 million, and a Parks Master Plan will receive $250,000 — with staff eyeing a potential partnership with the Desert Recreation District on a comprehensive planning effort.

One of the more urgent additions to the capital plan is $3 million to help the Carver Tract, an unincorporated community near Indio’s sphere of influence.

“This is going to cover 188 residents in that community and tie it into our Indio water system,” Wassil said. State grants are expected to reimburse the city, but the funds must be fronted first.

Before approving the plan, Wassil used the presentation to highlight projects residents will notice have already wrapped up. “We were able to finish our new city hall, our new library, the Indio Sports Park,” he said, adding the Avenue 44 bridge is back open to traffic and a ribbon cutting for new lights at the Indio golf course was scheduled for official opening on Thursday.

Mayor Elaine Holmes welcomed the budget and the direction the city is heading. “What a great strong budget we have here,” she said. “I particularly like the concept that we’re continuing to add to our reserves.”

Both the budget and the Capital Improvement Program passed 5-0. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

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