Rec and Park warns of rising utility bills and budget gaps; PUC rate changes pose growing risk

Department finance staff told the Recreation and Park Commission on April 17 that updated city financial forecasts and higher utility charges from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) have widened the department's expected budget shortfall for the next two fiscal years.

Antonio Guerra, director of administration and finance, summarized a March joint city report that increased the city's projected shortfall and described department-level impacts. Since the department's February budget submission, Rec and Park staff said additional pressures total about $4.9 million in fiscal 2025-26 and $3.1 million in fiscal 2026-27. Those figures assume the mayor proceeds with a paid-parking revenue plan the department included in its budget; the department said paid parking was budgeted as roughly…