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Oxnard holds public hearing on FY 2025–26 budget; staff presents balanced plan and flags future risks
Summary
City staff presented a balanced proposed FY 2025–26 budget at a public hearing June 3, citing restored reserves and paydown of pension/OPEB liabilities while warning of near-term revenue risks; a contentious exchange followed over the elected treasurer's proposed office budget and staffing amid ongoing litigation.
The Oxnard City Council conducted a public hearing June 3 on the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 city budget, during which staff described a balanced general-fund plan, restored reserves and steps to contain new spending while warning of looming revenue pressures.
Staff presentation and numbers: Assistant City Manager Eric Sonstegard and Chief Financial Officer Javier Chagoyen Lazaro presented the proposal. Sonstegard said the city’s multi‑year restoration efforts moved Oxnard from a roughly $9.2 million structural deficit in 2019 to a position of fiscal sustainability in 2025. He noted the council previously used nearly $20 million to pay down long‑term pension and OPEB liabilities and restored reserves to 16.6% of operating expenses, roughly two months of operating costs.
The proposed budget: Staff said city departments requested nearly $20 million in additional funding for FY…
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