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, residents deserve an honest conversation. I also believe the City needs to be prudent with taxpayer dollars. 

We should all be asking if the City of Sanger is heading in the right direction.

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

The 2026-2027 adopted budget projects operating deficits in several city funds. It 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 homes being built, businesses coming to town, opportunities for expansion in retail, and ultimately more jobs. This 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. 

Hope should not be a Financial Strategy. What if the projected growth does not occur because anticipated revenue does not come through.

The community may experience economic  cycles. When setting a budget, these realities should be taken into account, proactively.   

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

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.

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. 


• Protecting taxpayer dollars through responsible spending. 


• Preserving healthy financial reserves. 


• Investing in infrastructure before it becomes more expensive. 


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

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

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

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.