Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Surprise public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in taxes budget with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.