City Services
Learn More About Temple City's Services and Budget
The City of Temple City is committed to maintaining our local quality of life, and supporting the core services and infrastructure that our residents, business and visitors rely on every day. Still, like many cities in Los Angeles County and across California, we face growing fiscal challenges. In years to come, we will face challenges as costs begin to outpace our ability to maintain key City assets that our community enjoys and that make Temple City a great place to live, work, and play.
City Services and Challenges Ahead
Temple City is a "Contract City,” meaning it contracts for core City services, including law enforcement. Law enforcement is provided under contract with the LA County Sheriff’s Department, which includes dedicated Sheriff’s Deputies to patrol the city, provide traffic control services, and support crime suppression. The cost of law enforcement has continued to escalate as the City provides services the community has come to expect.
City Streets are a critical asset but challenging to maintain. The City aims to repave all residential streets every 7 - 10 years, but some areas have not been repaved for nearly 20 years, and the costs of constructing and maintaining our existing roads are rising. Additionally, the City does not have sufficient resources in the years ahead to meet this goal.
The City's park system is a well-regarded community asset, and the recent replacement of old playgrounds and expansion of park space have provided needed amenities to the community. These assets have continuous and ongoing maintenance costs that will continue to escalate over time.
What has the City Done to Manage its Budget?
Temple City is a fiscally sustainable city that has balanced its budget every year with the exception of 2020-21 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Maintained healthy reserves (GF Balance), equal to 90% - 110% of the City's General Fund
- 13 years of consecutive awards for accounting by Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
- City is debt free
What is an Example of a Revenue Measure to Maintain Service Levels?
As we continue to manage the city's finances carefully and maintain healthy financial reserves, expenses for law enforcement and ongoing maintenance continue to rise. To maintain services, the City will need additional resources each year in a constant effort to provide quality city services.
Funding from this measure will help maintain the city’s fiscal sustainability and be used for services including:
- Maintaining 911 emergency response, police patrols, and crime prevention efforts
- Road maintenance and repaving
- Emergency Preparedness
- Maintaining programs for local youth and families, and expanded park space
- Infrastructure and community services funded by the General Fund.
Temple City Services and Finance Presentation