[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6514846,"mediaKeyId","5023709-6d1d687ae012eb3d5cd7aa3f9d8757ca","parentId",5023709,"title","Santa Rosa council adopts FY25‑26 budget with cuts, staff reductions and retention of eighth police officer","audioSeconds",4118,"startMs",7422000,"endMs",11540000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023709-6d1d687ae012eb3d5cd7aa3f9d8757ca&start=7422&end=11540","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023709-6d1d687ae012eb3d5cd7aa3f9d8757ca/thumbnail_7422000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6514846/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Santa-Rosa-council-adopts-FY2526-budget-with-cuts-staff-reductions-and-retention-of-eighth-police-officer","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514846-4041dbf23aa890bbf94247a16cfd75e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180864&Signature=hZz-CsVEajXf~gz3yimzoM3KXd6CmHbd4FvOVp3rkNRc1lyR2fye6iAkIWrGG4p6vekx8~5I0dmHQpmgGWlZXcmxINwNybhh8OGjUaSAvgIAk1wvu1z2OoCctqF2ZhfmJnEBALwt2MkziIIyRq7mmD7mGT1jwMx3oOqDpBbWYUdQ9rFf3hS4rjVcvW9IjjaEvOB~spUzNRi5QpWf-FC7cWLE76NlYcyIqyoihIm5Zi03fep5Fg4x6E7pcw8q9xviOJfvJIY4HAdRNN4HxF3VJ6-dWrscAs0vj58~Xb-Qe4oGJQrDS1NPcBrTeDF63HHNE49MeAs3kMRo8vSZOvRaog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Santa Rosa, CA","date","2025-06-18T14:12:36Z","article","The Santa Rosa City Council on a unanimous vote adopted the city’s fiscal year 2025–26 operations and maintenance budget and capital improvement program, approving a package of reductions and position changes the finance director said are intended to extend the city’s reserves and give staff more time to address a multi‑year structural shortfall.

City Manager Smith and Director Alton (Finance) told the council the adopted budget still contains an $8.1 million deficit for 2025–26 but that the package of cuts and transfers narrows longer‑term shortfalls and extends the time before reserves fall below the council policy. The council approved specific department reductions, salary plan amendments and staffing changes while instructing staff to return with any needed appropriations or contract approvals.

The adopted budget builds on reductions made earlier in the year and includes $15.76 million in operational reductions (combining January actions and the current package). Council members and finance staff repeatedly stressed that rising personnel and benefit costs and CalPERS obligations mean relatively large nominal savings are required to meaningfully reduce the deficit. Deputy Director Scott Wagner said the city’s general fund remains the largest single fund and is the primary source of the structural gap.

Council debate focused on public safety and the proposed elimination of a ninth police officer position. Members of the Santa Rosa Police Management Association and the police chief warned that cutting the additional officer would reduce specialty enforcement, detective capacity and downtown patrols. After debate the council voted to restore the plan to remove only eight sworn positions rather than a ninth, keeping the departmental vacancy allotment at eight reductions.

The package includes elimination, reclassification or consolidation of positions across departments. Finance presented a staffing summary showing 55 general fund positions proposed for removal (about 17 sworn and 38 non‑sworn); citywide the net change is a reduction of 31 full‑time equivalents after additions funded outside the general fund (for example, Measure H fire positions and enterprise fund reorganization in water). Finance described how some of the eliminated positions are vacant, others will be filled by bumping or demotion, and a subset of filled positions will result in layoffs with transitional timing discussed.

The council approved discrete resolutions tied to the budget: adoption of the homeless services program budget (passed earlier in the meeting), the overall FY25‑26 operations and CIP budget, amendments to the city salary plan and schedule to implement position changes (subject to meet‑and‑confer), the stormwater assessment resolution, and an amendment to the public safety/violence prevention tax implementation plan. Roll calls recorded unanimous or 6–0 votes where council members had recused themselves from particular items.

Council members and speakers from the community stressed the human impact of layoffs and reductions. Speakers from Catholic Charities and other service providers urged caution on cuts that reduce outreach and drop‑in center hours, arguing those reductions could shift costs onto emergency services and the community at large. Chamber of Commerce and downtown business representatives urged protection of enforcement capacity to support public safety and economic recovery.

City staff outlined next steps: closing the books and auditing year‑end financials in July–September, an October study session with final year‑end results, and continued work by internal and external working groups, including a forthcoming Budget Advisory Committee to provide public input on budget choices. The city manager said any additional appropriation requests beyond existing authority will be brought back to council for specific approval.

The council majority framed the adopted plan as a difficult but necessary set of reductions that, combined with expected work on organizational efficiencies and economic development, aims to stabilize finances and preserve core services while giving staff time to propose further structural changes.

Ending

Council members said they will continue outreach to labor, community partners and the public as staff implement the changes and return to the council with updated financials and any required appropriation requests.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Santa Rosa Council Meeting June 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Santa Rosa City Council on a unanimous vote adopted the FY2025–26 operations and capital budget, approving multi‑million dollar reductions across city departments, staff position changes and a decision to retain the eighth police officer after debate over a proposed ninth cut.","taxTitle","Santa Rosa City, Sonoma County, California","taxId",3913,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514831,"Council signals support for outside operations assessment; manager to return with cost and appropriation",654,3909000,4563000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023709-6d1d687ae012eb3d5cd7aa3f9d8757ca&start=3909&end=4563","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023709-6d1d687ae012eb3d5cd7aa3f9d8757ca/thumbnail_3909000.jpg","/articles/6514831/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Council-signals-support-for-outside-operations-assessment-manager-to-return-with-cost-and-appropriation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514831-a098d30c17bd576f4f0a865d3b492d62/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180864&Signature=gZVQiP7oqixoe~G4nMo00hAycxc8RmbsSQtzAPRnwbRS7t9gmS8RDj1Z0YS-dpTAjePVmx5M0SlnRLQGxvaSReogYH2O1RfjNENC2ul9pxf9oAS-MH0c86aeSFpkG2K9PnRCYyhm1elYLTG1s~0euTR-S0uFSspBPsg3ZBM3XyTEn0tKkivWZ14djuHu2pdFMFDMFcGgKBjN-Mb9gXretXqsGA9f840GzekmiT1E9Gf2QaFyrmVUUtiNb~Vsa7WyKbcYyDnJNdXW0oiy~kNcoApNytTVijuJ16SdAKHRsLab13lLNVi46~fKRhAlqNeZIe5uEFsU2y8xP2IJxQmUgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council considered a request to add an agenda item to authorize the city manager to issue an RFP for an outside consulting firm to assess departmental efficiencies, organizational structure and operational improvements.

Councilmember McDonald introduced the rationale for an external assessment to identify efficiencies, noting prior studies and the city’s class and compensation work. City Manager Smith and City Attorney Teresa said bringing in a “fresh eye” could generate recommendations staff might not identify internally; staff indicated some RFP work was already underway. The city manager clarified the work is operational and does not require council approval to initiate, but any funding or contracts exceeding the manager’s authority would return to council as appropriation or contract approvals.

Several council members asked whether public safety (police and fire) would be included; Carmen from the public clarified the study would not include police and fire strategic plans or staffing studies, which perform those functions separately. Members of the public expressed concern about the scope and potential costs of consulting work; one public commenter urged that attorney staffing be scrutinized before hiring outside counsel.

Council expressed support for the concept of an outside assessment and a desire for transparency; the consensus was that staff should continue preparing the RFP and return with a clear cost estimate and appropriation request when needed. City Manager Smith said she would work with the CFO and relevant departments to calibrate scope, consultant selection and funding, and that the final contract would be brought back for council approval.

Ending

Council asked staff to proceed with RFP development and to return with a cost and appropriation request for council consideration before any contract award that exceeds managerial authority.","Council discussed an RFP for an outside consultant to conduct department‑level efficiency and organizational structure assessments. Staff said some work is already underway; the council agreed staff can continue the RFP process but that any appropriation beyond existing authority will return to council for budget approval.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514836,"Santa Rosa finalizes settlement in long‑running JM Manufacturing PVC litigation",101,3261000,3362000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023709-6d1d687ae012eb3d5cd7aa3f9d8757ca&start=3261&end=3362","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023709-6d1d687ae012eb3d5cd7aa3f9d8757ca/thumbnail_3261000.jpg","/articles/6514836/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Santa-Rosa-finalizes-settlement-in-longrunning-JM-Manufacturing-PVC-litigation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514836-204d6436ba37169389a74c85ef10cb3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180864&Signature=A6lD2ardVAzRgYhOrUxETcyqfFybd8llvByxGOqoR-i6IFgXqcVHaAU2cWkObo4nlH9QKdKWFw3rhSezaXjd1FITrM2U2CKucLOEWbO5IgM0dYmCcuCYA16ZOlB0WzpTDNd19wLY1okaE2e7gxlCekvmOEyuNOaZ6w-kIDSKaI-M4i5TPm~X-2MmlTmjeTqLVXtEByH-naQlh~7rGn7qB3PKv6qGn5uesU~pmK8L9xJ8WEtWe02jTtCfXX1k8E~A1QbumzlzoMBjF0WGIx9hGTqoIQtrOSgWkjzC2XoUQWzH7WhXUKXJssei16Hm0K1GzD6PHXmq7Daa2WHxr6y~fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Attorney reported to the council that the City of Santa Rosa finalized a settlement in a long‑running matter of United States ex rel. John Hendricks v. JM Manufacturing Company, Inc., a false claims case in which the city and 34 other public entities had intervened as plaintiffs.

Under the settlement finalized in May, the city will dismiss its claims in exchange for JM Manufacturing providing a 50‑year retroactive extended warranty covering JM pipe that the city paid for or reimbursed for use on city projects. The city also agreed to remove language from its design and construction standards that previously precluded the use of PVC pipe manufactured by JM in city projects.

The city attorney told council that because the city retained outside counsel on a contingency fee basis, the city incurred no attorney fees or litigation costs in connection with the case. The attorney noted the city continues to handle about 32 current litigation matters across various stages, with many cases in discovery and a few in appellate proceedings. The attorney said staff continues to pursue resolution of smaller matters when feasible to limit city costs.

Ending

The council received the report; the city attorney characterized the settlement as finalized and noted the change to design standards. No further council action on this item was recorded during the meeting.","City attorney reported the city finalized a settlement with JM Manufacturing in a decades‑old false claims case: as part of the settlement the city will receive a 50‑year retroactive extended warranty on JM pipe used in city projects and will remove a specification that previously excluded JM pipe from design standards.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514841,"Santa Rosa gives summer construction update: slurry, arterial repaving and park projects set to start",411,2483000,2894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023709-6d1d687ae012eb3d5cd7aa3f9d8757ca&start=2483&end=2894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023709-6d1d687ae012eb3d5cd7aa3f9d8757ca/thumbnail_2483000.jpg","/articles/6514841/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Santa-Rosa-gives-summer-construction-update-slurry-arterial-repaving-and-park-projects-set-to-start","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514841-b48715308ca8514c31da5c82f0ec87fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180864&Signature=FPYyxWidBS8c2qnpee4Ncko4hmWBGb3XnHx-kwZv4oYJ-bAQDQZqtC-1UW7NV3d~cmiRVsKiLYh7DStEIH8tQlE38Qoih-raJjyM85D15Zs6zaMXwbL-H2rrC3LbXkY85OIvO0F4ivwrGV5CLgoiy9Xrqu3MM27~ih5eXWKH9Pjr92CjdVWADfrdB~hjiEyfPQ-GRnFpjg~KI95SaP~~IPFAJNozrtIY8SqYmGrkGnm-7WOVs-yEmAlBZqHXnNgmkU-uSBCRtT5murcMCRsMvz6pSRTLiunCjy71Avh~1alXVByFlZl1nAY7D0F0rviZKXHTR3IXab7H~IgBMDimnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dan Hennessy, director of Transportation and Public Works, briefed the City Council on summer capital projects that are beginning or moving to construction, including residential slurry treatments, arterial repaving, park renovations and creek restoration work.

Hennessy said the residential pavement maintenance program will begin in the coming weeks on west side streets north of Guerneville and south of Pioneer, continuing north toward Jack London Elementary and San Miguel. Arterial repaving on Steele Lane, Dutton Avenue and College Avenue is expected to start in August and will include opportunities for safety improvements, crosswalk and bicycle lane work.

Work in the Roseland area, including South Avenue and West Hearn Avenue, will proceed under a county contract, Hennessy said; South Avenue pavement has been a longstanding concern and the team hopes the repaving and corresponding aesthetic improvements will help the area. Parks projects moving to construction include Dutch Floor Park (notice to proceed issued pending insurance), Kiwanis Springs Community Garden (bids planned), South Davis Park playground and upgrades at Howarth and Gowland parks for tennis and pickleball.

Hennessy reported that Colgan Creek restoration (Phase 3) is under way with fencing and site prep; the work will connect trail sections near the Kern Community Hub and nearby development. He also said material and site work are progressing for fleet hoist projects funded by prior council actions.

Hennessy told council that with the contracts approved or expected this summer, the city will award more contracts in 2025 than during all of 2024 and expects to reach combined 2023–2024 award levels by September — a notable acceleration in capital delivery. He estimated total contract awards and capital spending approaching low nine figures for 2025, a figure Vice Mayor Alvarez described as “pumping nine figures into the local economy.”

He flagged a proposed shared‑use path on the Farmers Lane extension that could serve as both a walking/biking route and an emergency access/evacuation path. That project and nine others were presented for potential submittal to the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) for regional funding under prioritized criteria: proximity to schools/parks, high injury network corridors, climate resilience and economic development support.

Councilmembers asked about start dates, firebreak considerations, sidewalk work and Measure DD funding. Hennessy said some active transportation design work aims to create pieces of asphalt or concrete that can function as fire breaks, though dedicated firebreak funding was not included and would depend on grants. He said sidewalks are not included in the immediate repaving scope for some streets and that Measure DD funding is being deployed (council members referenced an approximate amount the public has previously seen). Hennessy promised a fuller capital improvement program briefing in August on a less busy council night.

Ending

Council thanked Hennessy and his team. Staff will return in August with a more comprehensive capital improvement update and will finalize SCTA grant applications in early August.","Transportation and Public Works Director Dan Hennessy updated the council on streets, park projects and Measure‑funded priorities; slurry seal and arterial repaving are scheduled this summer and the city is applying to regional grant programs for active transportation and emergency access projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Santa Rosa council adopts FY25‑26 budget with cuts, staff reductions and retention of eighth police officer

Council signals support for outside operations assessment; manager to return with cost and appropriation

Santa Rosa finalizes settlement in long‑running JM Manufacturing PVC litigation

Santa Rosa gives summer construction update: slurry, arterial repaving and park projects set to start