First 5 Sacramento approves FY25‑26 revised budget and 10‑year plan; minutes and advisory appointments also approved

The First 5 Sacramento Commission voted Aug. 4 to approve its revised recommended budget for fiscal year 2025–26 and an updated 10‑year financial plan, following staff presentations on changed carry‑forward and reserve projections.

Chief of Administration Kristin Scheiber told the commission the updated figures show revenues for fiscal year 2024–25 came in about 4.8% below earlier projections, primarily because Proposition 10 disbursements were lower than expected. Scheiber said expenditure savings and higher interest income offset most of that shortfall. The commission was told the estimated carry‑forward fund balance for FY 2025–26 is $2,683,284—about $737,000 more than originally budgeted—and the updated reserve release required to balance the budget is $2,284,019.

Scheiber said the higher carry‑forward amount and reduced reserve draw allowed staff to lower the projected reduction in the 2027 strategic plan from 22.4% to 20%. She told commissioners that Prop. 10 revenue projections were updated to reflect the state's April forecast and that allocations to programs did not change from the version presented in April.

The commission also approved a motion to accept the June 2, 2025 action summary and ratified several advisory‑committee appointments. Staff members earlier told the commission that committee work had recommended the items and that no members of the public were signed up to speak on the actions.

Votes at a glance - Approval of the June 2, 2025 draft action summary: approved by roll call. Recorded votes in the meeting roll call: Chair Serna—Aye; Commissioner Wesley—Aye; Commissioner Williams—Aye; Commissioner Gordon—Aye; Commissioner Guerra—Aye; Commissioner Kattari—Aye; Commissioner Moke—Aye. (Motion moved and seconded during the meeting.)

- Approval of appointments to advisory and committee seats: approved by roll call. Recorded votes in the meeting roll call: Chair Serna—Aye; Commissioner Wesley—Aye; Commissioner Williams—Aye; Commissioner Gordon—Aye; Commissioner Guerra—Aye; Commissioner Kattari—Aye; Commissioner Moke—Aye. Appointments mentioned in the meeting packet and motion discussion included: Maelle (returning, seat from earlier service), Bukola (new member), Bademasso (applying for parks and rec seat), Heidi Kiser (moving to parents’ seat), Keisha Harris (moving to mental health advisory board seat). Names and seats were those provided in staff materials; some entries were first‑name only in the meeting materials and are shown as presented.

- Approval of the fiscal year 2025–26 revised recommended budget and 10‑year financial plan: approved by roll call. Recorded votes in the meeting roll call: Chair Serna—Aye; Commissioner Wesley—Aye; Commissioner Williams—Aye; Commissioner Gordon—Aye; Commissioner Guerra—Aye; Commissioner Kattari—Aye; Commissioner Moke—Aye.

Why it matters The revised budget keeps program allocations intact but relies on a larger-than‑expected carry‑forward balance to reduce the near‑term draw from reserves. The commission was told changes in Prop. 10 revenues and other economic factors have pressured the long‑term plan; staff described the 20% projected reduction in the coming implementation period as a guiding constraint for strategy prioritization.

Details and context Kristin Scheiber told the commission there are no line‑item changes to the recommended budget; instead the changes are to the carry‑forward balance and reserve release amounts. Staff emphasized that the revised projections were sufficient to preserve current program allocations for 2025–26 while modestly improving the projected long‑term reduction in funding needs from 22.4% to 20%.

The commission’s financial planning committee reviewed and recommended the revised budget earlier in July; the committee’s report noted the committee had satisfied itself with the financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 and identified no concerns that required additional action.

What commissioners asked No public speakers were signed up for the budget item. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about revenue sources, the use of carry‑forward funds, and the long‑term assumptions tied to Proposition 10 receipts. Staff said they would continue monitoring revenues and bring updates to future commission meetings.

Next steps The commission’s approval finalizes the FY 2025–26 revised recommended budget and the associated 10‑year financial plan as presented.