Fillmore Council adopts $11.6 million preliminary budget for FY 2025–26

The Fillmore City Council voted to adopt Resolution 25-4071 and approve the city’s fiscal year 2025–26 annual budget on a voice vote Tuesday night, Mayor Villasenor said.

The budget presentation explained how officials plan to allocate limited resources. “We are projecting for a preliminary budget of $11,608,786,” Deborah Cavallaro, Fillmore finance director, told the council during the public hearing and budget presentation.

The budget document lays out priorities including public safety, parks and infrastructure. Cavallaro said public safety accounts for almost 50% of general-fund expense and that the proposal includes funding for two additional firefighter positions (previously paid from overtime) and a new human resources supervisor. The budget also earmarks up to $150,000 for homeless initiatives and $75,000 to begin the city’s general-plan update.

Cavallaro described revenue assumptions and constrained spending choices, noting that 72.7% of the general fund budget is related to tax revenue. She also reminded the council that the city maintains a 40% general-fund reserve policy and called the budget a “living document” that may be adjusted during midyear review.

Council members asked for clarifications about completed and ongoing capital projects, FEMA reimbursements for emergency street repairs, and the midyear budget check-in. Cavallaro said FEMA review is ongoing for emergency repairs and that midyear reporting would return to council to request any necessary appropriations.

Councilmember Rodriguez moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried. No roll-call opposition was recorded during the voice vote.

The council’s action authorizes managers to incorporate the budgeted revenue and expenditures into the city’s fiscal plan for 2025–26 and to return for midyear adjustments if circumstances change.