In a recent public hearing, city officials presented the proposed operating budget for fiscal years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026, alongside a six-year capital improvement budget. The total recommended operating budget amounts to approximately $207.9 million for FY 2024-2025 and $254.4 million for FY 2025-2026, while the capital improvement program is set at $271.2 million.

Monica Delgado, the city's budget manager, emphasized that the budget aligns with the city council's goals, particularly in enhancing public safety. Key initiatives include funding for a new fire station and the addition of two police officers. The budget is designed to be flexible, utilizing grants and partnerships to manage costs effectively. Notably, the police department secured a grant of about $30.3 million from the California Highway Patrol for DUI enforcement, which will bolster public safety efforts.

Delgado also highlighted several changes to the budget since the last workshop, including an increase of over $18,000 for community funding and $35,000 for park operations. The capital improvement budget saw a reallocation of $3 million from water pipeline projects to the Holiday Lake Improvements project due to rising costs, along with a $1.5 million loan from the library impact fund to support the fire station project.

Personnel changes include the addition of four full-time equivalent (FTE) positions over the next two years, with two new police officer roles and staffing for the new fire station. The city anticipates ending the six-year forecast with a fund balance of $10 million, maintaining a minimum reserve level of 15% of revenue.

The meeting concluded with finance director Dat Wynn set to continue the presentation, further detailing the financial implications of the proposed budget. The council's decision on the budget adoption is expected to shape the city's financial landscape and community services in the coming years.