Folsom council approves $4 million in budget cuts, reassigns fire apparatus and asks community to help reduce zoo subsidy

The Folsom City Council approved a package of general fund cost‑saving measures on Sept. 23, 2025, voting 5-0 to accept staff recommendations that would eliminate 20 full‑time equivalent (FTE) positions, reassign fire apparatus and direct further study of the city‑subsidized Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary.

City Manager (unnamed in the public record) told the council the measures are Phase 1 of a broader program to close a projected structural budget gap. The manager said the recommended actions and reorganization moves are intended to reduce the general‑fund draw while staff pursues additional revenue and reassignments of costs to special funds where appropriate.

Why it matters: the package targets pensionable staffing and service delivery that affect public safety, information technology and some community amenities. Council members and many residents pressed staff for performance data — particularly emergency response times — and for clear timelines and community engagement on the future of the zoo, which is heavily subsidized by the general fund.

Staff presentation and key details

City staff told the council the city’s fiscal year 2024–25 results show revenues roughly in line with budget but rising expenditures have eroded the fund balance percentage. The manager summarized proposed Phase 1 actions as a reduction of 20 FTEs (five of which are currently filled), a reorganization of four departments (Community Development, Public Works, Environmental Water Resources, Parks & Recreation), and changes to several support services.

Notable personnel and program items described by staff include: - Eliminating or leaving vacant multiple IT positions (including GIS roles) and hiring a temporary municipal IT management firm for an initial six‑month audit and transition before an RFP for long‑term services; staff…