The city of Clovis budget is brought to you by the letter ‘Y.’

As in Measure Y, the 1% sales tax approved by voters last year. City staff presented the $395 million budget to the city council on Monday. Measure Y is helping with revenues, providing $26 million. Without it, the city would be down in sales tax by 5%.

“If not for the Measure Y passage, the Annual Budget would be recommending significant cuts,” the Fiscal Year 2026 budget report said.

Of the $345 million in the general fund — where most of the city’s operation spending is located — 83% will go to public safety.

“Brining that much needed revenue in from the taxpayers stabilizes the city in a way that can hardly be expressed,” finance director Jay Schengel said, while expressing Measure Y’s impact through charts and numbers.

Measure Y will allow the city to add seven police officers (bringing the total to 135), and nine firefighters. The budget will also provide 29 vehicles, and a replacement of a fire ladder truck.

Several departments said Measure Y will help hire more staff.

But that gave councilmember Lynne Ashbeck pause for concern. She’s worried that separating “Measure Y” employees and others may affect the city’s culture.

“What I’m afraid of now is ‘you’re a Measure Y employee and I am not.’ I don’t like that language. We’re hiring a team of people,” Ashbeck said.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the council unanimously approved the promotion of Paul Armendariz as assistant city manager. He’s worked with Clovis for 20 years, most recently as deputy director of public utilities.

Swearengin for Mayor Again? ‘No’

Former Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin has no interest in returning to elected office. Asked about the persistent rumor she has a desire to return to City Hall, Swearengin made a face as if she swallowed sour milk.

“If your readers could see the look on my face right now. Oh my goodness no, no, by no means, by no means,” Swearengin said. “I’m in my ninth year at the Community Foundation and I absolutely love the organization. I love what we stand for, I love what we’re building, and there’s no shortage of things for us to do at CVCF.”

Swearengin served as mayor from 2009 until 2017. She made an unsuccessful run for state controller in 2014. Since 2017, she has served as president/CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation, one of the region’s largest nonprofits.

Caballero Running for Treasurer

Terming out next year, state Sen. Anna Caballero says she’s running for state treasurer.

“I’ve spent my career making government work for working people — especially in tough economic times. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I help oversee billions in state funding to programs that make a difference every day in Californians’ lives. I’ve worked with Democrats, labor, and local leaders to deliver on the issues that matter most — housing, healthcare, and education. That’s what leadership looks like. And that’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring as State Treasurer,” Caballero, D-Merced, said in a news release.

Caballero served as a state legislator from 2006 to 2010 and returned in 2016. Her district includes most of Fresno.

She included a long list of endorsements from the California Democratic establishment, including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister.

Caballero reported $631,940 cash on hand for her treasurer account as of Dec. 31.

Several candidates filed preliminary paperwork to run. One declared candidate is former Oakland mayor and Democrat Libby Schaaf.

State treasurer Fiona Ma is termed out after 2026.

Zanoni Endorses Bianco

Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni is endorsing a fellow sheriff for governor — Chad Bianco.

Bianco, the lead lawman of Riverside County, is campaigning to succeed termed-out Gavin Newsom. Election experts consider him one of the top Republican candidates.

“Sacramento leaders have failed California residents, consistently putting criminals above the safety of our residents,” Zanoni said in a news release. “I am proud to support Sheriff Bianco’s campaign for Governor because he will always prioritize public safety over political gamesmanship. California residents need a leader in Sacramento who will always put people first.”