The Budget We Adopt Today, Shapes The Sanger We Will Have Tomorrow

One of the most important responsibilities that the city council is responsible for, is  adopting a balanced budget that is transparent and sustainable. 

A budget should reflect the priorities of city leadership by determining the services its residents will receive. The city budget can affect the financial health of our city for  years. This is why it is critically important to budget appropriately. 

After carefully reviewing the City of Sanger’s adopted Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget,  reading the supporting financial documents, and listening to the City Council budget  discussions, residents deserve an honest conversation. 

I believe the City needs to be prudent with taxpayer dollars. 

Is Sanger Moving in the Right Financial Direction? 

The city budget tells a story. 

We should all be asking: 

Is this budget moving Sanger toward greater financial stability, or further away 

from it? 

After reviewing the adopted budget, I found that it projects operating deficits in  several city funds. The 2026-2027 budget will rely on continued revenue growth from  property taxes, sales taxes, development activity, permit fees, and anticipated  economic expansion. 

Economic growth is certainly something we all want. We would like to see more  homes being built, more businesses coming to town, opportunities for expansion in  retail, and ultimately more jobs. These would all be positive developments that would  strengthen our community. 

However, I believe, responsible budgeting requires distinguishing between reliable  recurring revenue and future revenue that will depend on economic conditions  remaining favorable. 

This is why this matters: 

Hope should not be a Financial Strategy

During the June 4th budget hearing, city staff explained several factors contributing to  projected revenue growth, including increases in property taxes, sales taxes, permit  activity, and other anticipated revenues. What if the projected growth does not  occur? 

History teaches us that housing markets slow, as well as construction, and consumer  spending. Interest rates may also rise. The community may experience economic  cycles. When setting a budget, these realities should be taken into account proactively.  

Future Growth Should Strengthen Tomorrow’s Budget, Not Balance Today’s

One of the arguments made during budget discussions was that additional revenue  may be generated from continued housing construction, future commercial  development, updated fee schedules, and new businesses such as Tractor Supply. I sincerely hope every one of those projects succeeds as economic development is  essential to Sanger’s future. I also believe an important principle of sound public  finance should consider: 

Future revenue should strengthen tomorrow’s budget, not justify today’s  operating deficit. 

In my opinion, our City should budget using dependable, recurring revenues that can  reasonably be expected regardless of whether every projected development occurs  exactly as planned. 

When local government begins depending on hopeful assumptions, taxpayers  inevitably will assume greater financial risk. 

Financial Challenges Don’t occur Overnight 

Communities rarely experience financial difficulty because of one budget, instead, financial challenges usually develop over several years. One year’s operating deficit  will become next year’s starting point. Expenses continue to grow, economic  conditions may change, and unexpected costs may rise. 

A budget that is not well planned, may lead to city leaders having fewer options and  asking taxpayers to pay more or accept fewer services. Responsible leaders will recognize these warning signs early.They should make adjustments before financial  pressures become financial problems. 

This would be more prudent than waiting until difficult decisions become  unavoidable. 

Building a Stronger Financial Foundation 

I believe Sanger has tremendous potential with hardworking families and dedicated  employees. We have a great city with strong neighborhoods, and local businesses that  continue investing in our community. Our future is bright, but I believe it is essential  to have disciplined financial leadership.

If elected Mayor, I commit to: 

• Building a budget that considers conservative revenue estimates. 

• Protects taxpayer dollars through responsible spending. 

• Preserves healthy financial reserves. 

• Invests in infrastructure before it becomes more expensive. 

• Expands our commercial tax base so we rely less on residential growth alone.

• Increases transparency so residents understand how every major financial decision  affects our city. 

They are principles of good government. 

Leadership Means Looking Beyond the Next Budget 

The easiest budget to write assumes everything will go according to plan. The hardest, is one that prepares for uncertainty. 

As a previous Sanger City Councilman and Mayor of Sanger, I understand that  difficult decisions are part of governing. 

My goal, as Mayor, is to leave our city financially stronger for the next generation.

Responsible planning today, will shape the Sanger we strive for tomorrow.

Victor Ruiz 

Candidate for Mayor of Sanger 

Did You Know? 

• For every $1 the city spends it must ultimately come from taxpayers, fees, grants, or  other public revenues. 

• Housing growth can increase revenues, but it also increases demand for police, fire  protection, parks, streets, water, sewer, and other city services. 

• Long-term financial stability depends not only on adding homes, but also on attracting  commercial and retail businesses that broaden the city’s tax base. 

• Responsible budgeting means preparing for economic downturns before they  occur…not after.