Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Surprise public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues in taxes budget
Internal Audit Recommendations
The committee will establish its calendar for the upcoming year to ensure consistent oversight of city audits.
Fiscal Year 2026/27 Audit Plan and Department Updates
The committee will establish its calendar for the upcoming year to ensure consistent oversight of city audits.
Veteran Support Grant Funding and Budget Amendment
Accepting $24,400 in endowment funding from the Maricopa County Community College District Foundation to support military service members, veterans, and their families through a budget amendment.
FY2026 Financial Status and Personnel Vacancy Savings
City finance staff kicked off the planning for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Council discussed the five-year outlook, revenue growth driven by population increases, and upcoming statutory requirements for property tax levies and public hearings.
Surprise Public Library FY26 Budget and FY27 Outlook
Library leadership reviewed fiscal year performance, showing strong growth in cardholders, program attendance, and efficient budget execution with 98.5% of operational funds utilized. Staff also outlined plans for FY26, including asset replacements, utility cost adjustments, and expanded library services.
Parks and Recreation FY27 Budget and Utility Cost Increases
The city's adaptive recreation programs served over 3,500 participants in 2024 through sports, cooking classes, and special events supported by hundreds of volunteers.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Property Tax Levies
Property owners will see a slight reduction in the primary property tax rate for the coming year, while street light improvement district levies were established to cover electrical costs across 139 districts.
FY 2025 Community Outreach and Neighborhood Grants Review
The council reviewed how $160,000 in city grants helped 23 nonprofits and two neighborhoods fund community events, food assistance, and support programs for people with disabilities.
FY 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
External auditors presented the city's annual financial report, giving Surprise a clean audit opinion with no material misstatements.
Budget Reallocation for Autism Kits and Vet Fest 2026
Surprise is hosting the traveling Vietnam War memorial "The Wall That Heals" from April 9 to 12, 2026. Because of this major event, Vet Fest 2026 is moving across the parking lot to the Surprise Stadium concourse on April 11 to create a massive community-wide celebration.
Comprehensive Citywide Fee Schedule Updates
The city initiated its budget planning process for fiscal year 2027, balancing service levels against growing infrastructure demands and reviewing citywide fee schedules.
Police Retirement System Fund Health & Actuarial Valuation
The board reviewed the police department's pension fund financial health and decided to bring in an expert to explain the complex numbers.
Temporary Shelter and Housing Services Budget Amendment
Surprise partnered with Maricopa County, Peoria, and Glendale to pass through $300,000 in funding to support the West Valley Housing Assistance Center operations.
FY2025 Financial Status and Ambulance Write-offs
Staff presented the mid-year financial update showing healthy local sales tax collections running well above budget projections.
Public Performance Dashboard and Transparency
The library system launched a live, public-facing dashboard featuring 33 performance metrics to ensure transparency and data-driven decision making. The data shows strong growth across gate counts, program attendance, active library cards, and an estimated $11.3 million in direct patron savings for FY25.
Marley Park CFD FY2026 Tentative Budget
The Marley Park CFD board reviewed and approved a $2.34 million tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget keeps property tax rates steady to continue paying off neighborhood infrastructure bonds and maintain Heritage Park.
Community Facilities District (CFD) Policy Review
Councilmembers requested a citywide review of the Community Facilities District policy to better address growth and infrastructure needs in West and Northwest Surprise.
FY 2026 City Budget and Property Tax Levies
The city approved its $985 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing heavily on public safety staff additions and infrastructure improvements while reducing overall capital expenditures compared to last year.
Public Safety Retirement Board Administration and Fees
The board reviewed its operating expenses, including legal counsel and medical examination fees, to ensure proper stewardship of public safety retirement funds.