Finance director outlines aggressive budget calendar; commission presses for more time and data

Finance Director William presented the finance department’s year‑end and budget calendar and told the Finance Commission that departments submitted revenue and expenditure projections and worksheets under a compressed schedule.

William said instructions for major year‑end revenue and expenditure projections were issued March 4 with a March 18 return deadline; the budget development worksheet was distributed March 10 with department submissions due March 27. The commission was told the finance department will deliver a midyear status update at the April 16 City Council meeting and expects the proposed FY 2025–26 budget to go to council June 4, with final adoption possibly June 18 if more time is needed.

William also said the city will not conduct a zero‑based budget this year; instead the FY 2024–25 budget will serve as the baseline for FY 2025–26, adjusted for a 3.3% allowed CPI and minus one‑time items. The finance team asked departments to identify cost‑saving opportunities and to justify purchase orders to be rolled into the next fiscal year.

Commissioners raised practical concerns about the timeline and staff capacity. One commissioner asked for the midyear materials “three or four days ahead” to allow time for what was described as a “monster review.” William acknowledged the calendar is a base‑case with little slack and may be disrupted by unanticipated issues; he said the midyear review likelihood of being ready on April 16 was higher than the June 4 budget adoption date.

Public commenters urged the commission and incoming city manager to consider continuing appropriations or buying time to avoid forcing a new city manager to finalize a large, complex budget on an accelerated timetable. One commenter said the city lacks a reliable personnel count and warned that two‑thirds of city spending is personnel costs, which could be millions of dollars if not accurately counted.

William introduced Tatiana Fernandez as a new management analyst who will assist with the major review and accounts payable tasks. The finance department also said it will use LSL (the contract consultant) to assist departments and present audit and fund balance status at the April 16 meeting.

Key calendar items recorded in the meeting: community budget survey launched March 20 and closes April 20; midyear review and LSL status update on April 16; Finance Commission preliminary budget review May 8; council study sessions May 12 (operating) and May 14 (CIP); community meeting May 15; second draft commission review May 22; council consideration June 4 and, if needed, June 18.