Council adopts FY 2025–26 budget after contentious debate; vacancy, police and youth funding remain flashpoints

The Sacramento City Council adopted the city’s fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget and five‑year capital improvement program on June 10 after extended public comment and hours of council deliberation.

City Finance Director Pete Coletto presented the balanced budget package and described a set of one‑time restorations — including $1.3 million for youth violence prevention, funding for the city’s field network and preservation of a diversity, equity and inclusion position — while warning that the city faces a structural deficit in future years.

Why it matters: The $1.6 billion operating and capital program (approximately $800 million general fund) sets spending levels for core municipal services, capital projects and one‑time restorations. Council members and dozens of public speakers pressed the council on whether the budget does enough for youth services and prevention and whether it over‑prioritizes police overtime and vacancies.

Key votes and what the council approved - Motion: Adopt…