City Council Approves New Fiscal Year Budget Starting July 1

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 was officially approved. This budget aligns with the City’s Strategic Focus Areas and the community's priorities, ensuring continued investment in essential services and infrastructure.

Operating Budget

The operating budget addresses the day-to-day services the city provides, including the maintenance and operation of city infrastructure and assets, such as parks and buildings. This ensures that the community continues to enjoy high-quality public spaces and efficient city services.

Capital Improvement Program

Significant investments are planned under the Capital Improvement Program, including funding major projects for sewer, storm, and street improvements, such as the San Juan Pump Station rehabilitation, Alameda de las Pulgas corridor improvements, and pavement rehabilitation. Additionally, reserves are being set aside for the construction of a new fire station. These projects often span several years and are crucial for the city’s long-term development and resilience.

General Fund

The General Fund, which supports most day-to-day city services, remains a key focus. Public safety constitutes the most significant portion of this fund, reflecting the city’s commitment to maintaining safety and security with police officers and first responders on duty around the clock.

To explore the budget in greater detail, visit our website for the budget document and presentation. This comprehensive budget ensures that the city continues to thrive and meet the needs of its residents while preparing for future challenges and opportunities.

Last Chance for Youth Summer Scholarships 

We still have funds available for our Summer 2025 Youth Scholarships! Whether your child is already enrolled or you're considering signing up, funds are available to help cover costs. Eligible applicants can receive up to $200 per week for a maximum of four weeks. Scholarships are available for summer 2025 Belmont Parks and Recreation Camps only. It does not include Aquatics, Belmont Community Learning Center, Footsteps, and Stepping Stone. Funds are available for Belmont residents only. Don't miss out, make sure to apply by June 15.

Barrett Off-Leash Hours 

Evening off-leash hours at Barrett Field will resume on Monday, June 16, and run until Friday, August 8, Monday to Friday, 7 to 8 p.m. The usual morning hours will continue, from 7 to 8 a.m., Monday through Friday only.  

Dogs are not allowed on the field in any capacity outside of these hours. Please do not allow your dog to dig in the field, and always clean up after your dog. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep our field clean and safe.

Belmont Summer Concerts Start This Sunday

Summer concerts in the park start this Sunday, June 15. This week’s band is new to Belmont, Sony Holland, a Linda Ronstadt cover band. This free concert will be held in Twin Pines Park Meadow from 1 to 4 p.m. Refreshments are available for purchase. The entire concert lineup is available here. Come on out and enjoy this family-friendly community event that’s been around for over 45 years!

Interested in volunteering? Join the Park Boosters to help with setup, cleanup, and serving concessions.

Save the Date for the Imagine Together Festival

The Imagine Together Festival is an event for all ages to play, shop, and explore the future of Belmont’s Community Center!

Join the fun and see the vision for the future Community Center on Saturday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the current Barrett Community Center on Ralston Ave. Enjoy a festive day of fun, see the current state of the 75-year-old community center, and explore the vision of what the Community Center can offer.

Public Works Highlights

The Public Works Operations staff was busy this week repairing street light outages and conducting preventive maintenance on all our traffic signal vehicle detection systems. They also trimmed vegetation to improve sight distance for traffic signs, filled multiple potholes, refreshed red curb paint, and replaced more than 4 tons of failed asphalt throughout the city.

Construction in Twin Pines Park

Due to the Belmont Creek Restoration Project, access to Twin Pines Park west of the Veteran's Memorial will be restricted, and the Redwood Picnic Area will be closed beginning Monday, June 16. Construction truck traffic may also cause intermittent delays during the construction work.

The project will restore over 500 linear feet of Belmont Creek within Twin Pines Park, both upstream and downstream of the Redwood Picnic Area bridge. To learn more and track construction updates, please visit the project website, which is also accessible via the QR code on project signs posted throughout the park.

Creek Restoration construction is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 16, and continue through Fall 2025. Work hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The western portion of Twin Pines Park will be closed from the Veterans Memorial to the westerly trailhead at Ralston. The Redwood Picnic Area will be closed throughout construction. There will be occasional short-duration lane closures on Ralston Avenue for truck hauling and equipment delivery. Please proceed with caution around the work area.