“It’s time for a public swimming pool,” Los Banos Mayor Micheal Amabile announced at the 2026 State of the City. His announcement was made along with various city department progress updates, including a $4 million surplus, “massive reductions” in crime and the growth of housing in the city. The State of the City was held in the Community Center on April 14.
Amabile told the audience to great applause, “We’re going to take the initiative now, find the funds and we’re going to do it, and we’re going to design it probably this year. I grew up with a public pool in this city, and it’s time to bring that back for our residents.”
Following his closing remarks, The Westside Express was able to confirm with Amabile that the pool would likely cost $12 to $15 million to construct. But, he said, “We have most of the money.” Amabile explained that it would be funded by Development Impact Fees, a portion of which is set aside for regional sport needs. “This is a regional sport (need),” Amabile said.
Los Banos has been without a public pool since 2009. In the 2020 Parks Master Plan, it was reported that a pool has been one of the highest-rated needs for the city by residents.
Finance Director Minnie Moreno highlighted that the city was projected to have a General Fund $4.2 million surplus in 2026. “This level of stewardship doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability and long-term planning,” Moreno said.
She also focused on the 70 percent of sales tax “leakage” the city is facing. She encouraged residents to shop local and keep their sales tax within the city.
Police Chief Ray Reyna noted that since 2020, there have been “massive reductions in crime.” In 2020, there were 61 shootings and 9 homicides. While in 2025 there were only 8 shootings and 1 homicide.
He also highlighted the strong relationship with the community, which led to the solving of multiple crimes.
Reyna pointed out that with the new traffic division, there has been a 13 percent drop in traffic collisions year over year.
Community and Economic Development Director Stacy Elms countered misconceptions that Los Banos is “growing uncontrollably.” She cited that in 2006, over 700 housing permits were issued. Whereas in 2025, only 238 were issued. “By no means are we growing uncontrollably. We’re actually growing at market rate,” Elms said.
Elms also highlighted the One Tree Project. Funded by the state with the $11.8 million Encampment Resolution Fund, she reports that construction could be finished by December. It will add 58 units of permanent supportive housing for the homeless currently living at the G Street encampment.
“A city like Los Banos is much more than just budgets and buildings and parks. It’s about caring for people. And that’s why One Tree is so important,” Amabile said.
Council Member Mitzy Perez reported progress for Parks and Rec. According to Perez, two parks have been completed in the last year: Shaunessy Village Park and Sunrise Ranch Park. 21 of the 38 playgrounds in the city are now new, with 17 of those being shaded. No playgrounds were shaded just a few years ago.
Public Works Director William Via noted that 32 miles of streets will be rehabilitated in the next three years. Amabile added that Caltrans will rehabilitate State Route 152 from the Merced College Campus in the west to Santa Fe Grade in the east. The “badly needed” rehabilitation will be done by the end of the year.
Amabile ended the meeting with, “There’s still a lot of work to do, but I believe we are headed in the right direction. And if we keep working together, keep listening, and keep putting the community first, then Los Banos and its future is very bright.”
