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Santa Ana council adopts FY 2025‑26 budget, keeps 18% reserve and funds parks, public safety and capital projects
Summary
The council approved a $778 million citywide budget and $423 million general fund for FY 2025‑26, maintained an 18% operating reserve, pledged $1 million to a pension trust and funded projects including Cypress Fire Station rehabs, Centennial Park lighting and street improvements; vote was 7–0.
The Santa Ana City Council on Tuesday adopted the fiscal year 2025‑26 budget by a 7–0 vote, approving an uncodified appropriation ordinance, adjustments to classification and compensation plans, a uniform schedule of miscellaneous fees and a seven‑year capital improvement program. Council also authorized a $1 million deposit to a pension stabilization trust.
The approved citywide budget totals approximately $778 million, with the general fund budget at about $423 million. The council maintained an operating reserve targeted at 18% of recurring revenue (about $74.5 million). Staff said recurring revenues are projected to rise roughly 1% while recurring expenditures are forecast to grow about 3.5% in the upcoming year, and long‑range projections show growing pressures when Measure X sales tax steps down in later years.
Key FY25‑26 investments in the adopted plan include $4.8 million for rehabilitation of Euclid Street, $3.5 million for Cypress Fire Station improvements, $1.3 million for Centennial Park lighting upgrades, $900,000 to support an additional ambulance unit to reduce emergency response times, funding for police staffing adjustments, added code enforcement resources, library materials to support planned reopenings, and a range of sidewalk, crosswalk and traffic‑signal safety upgrades. The proposed capital program includes roughly $58 million in projects for the coming year with the largest share for street and traffic work.
Human Resources and finance staff presented required reporting under AB 2561 on vacancies and recruitment. The proposed budget reflects a staffing total of 1,455 full‑time positions citywide (1,062 general fund; 393 non‑general), a modest increase from the prior year. HR Director Lori Schneider outlined recruitment strategies, training and retention programs and said the city is not under a hiring freeze.
Councilmembers praised the collaborative budget process and noted it preserves critical services while addressing safety, parks and infrastructure. Several members observed that future years would require careful fiscal management as expenditures continue to rise faster than projected revenues.
Ending: The ordinance will return for formal adoption at second reading; staff will proceed with project implementation and continue community outreach on capital projects and staffing efforts.
