Santa Rosa council adopts FY25‑26 budget with cuts, staff reductions and retention of eighth police officer

The Santa Rosa City Council on a unanimous vote adopted the city’s fiscal year 2025–26 operations and maintenance budget and capital improvement program, approving a package of reductions and position changes the finance director said are intended to extend the city’s reserves and give staff more time to address a multi‑year structural shortfall.

City Manager Smith and Director Alton (Finance) told the council the adopted budget still contains an $8.1 million deficit for 2025–26 but that the package of cuts and transfers narrows longer‑term shortfalls and extends the time before reserves fall below the council policy. The council approved specific department reductions, salary plan amendments and staffing changes while instructing staff to return with any needed appropriations or contract approvals.

The adopted budget builds on reductions made earlier in the year and includes $15.76 million in operational reductions (combining January actions and the current package). Council members and finance staff repeatedly stressed that rising personnel and benefit costs and CalPERS obligations…