The Antioch City Council on June 24 adopted a balanced budget for fiscal year 2025–26 while acknowledging a remaining general‑fund gap the city must close next year.

City Manager Scott and Finance Director Merchant told the council the package reflects months of review, trimming an initial multi‑million dollar deficit. “A general fund budget with a net deficit of $7,737,331 after a $5,000,000 infusion from the budget stabilization fund is presented this evening,” City Manager Scott said during the council presentation.

Why it matters: Council members and staff called the adopted budget a necessary short‑term step that preserves services and staff while giving the city more time to pursue revenue and other structural fixes. But the plan deliberately relies on reserves and flagged much larger projected shortfalls if no new revenues or other savings are found for fiscal year 2026–27 and beyond.

What the council approved: The adopted budget package uses $5 million from the budget stabilization fund and keeps the city above its minimum reserve policy for the coming year while directing staff to return with near‑term options to reduce the remaining gap. Finance Director Merchant said staff will provide monthly updates and work with departments to refine assumptions. The council also authorized routine successor‑agency and public‑financing authority budgets associated with city operations.

Council and public reaction: Public commenters pressed the council on program priorities, particularly youth services and community resources, but multiple council members praised staff work and urged an immediate focus on revenue development and month‑by‑month monitoring. Councilmember Freitas and others emphasized that the budget is an interim step, not a final fix.

Next steps: Staff will return with follow‑up options to close the remaining deficit, a recommended prioritization of positions and projects, and a plan to pursue grant and other outside revenues. The council voted to adopt the budget on a 5‑0 vote.

Ending: The vote clears the way for the city to operate on the approved fiscal plan starting July 1, while council and staff continue work to eliminate the longer‑term structural shortfall and pursue revenue opportunities and cost reductions.