West Sacramento council adopts midyear budget, approves Measure O spending plan and internal loan

The West Sacramento City Council on March 19 approved midyear amendments to the FY 2024–25 budget, adopting the Measure O spending plan that funds new public safety, parks and road positions and capital projects and authorizing up to a $15 million internal loan from the Measure B fund to accelerate early work.

Finance Director Roberta Raper told the council the general fund was on track to end the fiscal year with roughly $83.4 million in revenues and about $82.0 million in ongoing expenses, leaving a modest surplus before one‑time uses. Raper outlined the Measure O proposal, which she said will fund 48 positions (including 17 police positions and additional parks and road crews) and account for one‑time capital and equipment needs.

The spending plan includes $22.2 million in infrastructure projects and $6.2 million in vehicles and equipment proposed in the first two years. Raper said the city expects roughly $5.1–$5.3 million in Measure O revenue in the current fiscal year (effective April 1) and about $21 million annually in later years, and proposed a 10‑year repayment structure if the city borrows up to $15 million from Measure B reserves to allow earlier implementation of priority projects.

City Manager (name not specified in the record) described the Measure O process as the result of prior strategic planning and council direction. He said staff asked departments to identify the “best version” of how to address council priorities and presented a package designed to implement those priorities now. “Let’s look at this tax measure as an option,” he said, describing the multi‑year planning that led to the recommended spending plan.

Council members asked for details about timing and safeguards. Raper said the proposed internal loan would be repaid over 10 years at an interest rate that mirrors internal cash earnings, and the Measure O plan includes a 15% reserve target to protect program stability during economic downturns. She said the fund balance after five years is projected to be about $7.2 million and that annual revenues would outpace obligations after loan repayment.

Several council members highlighted short‑term benefits they expect to see first, including reinstated fire response capacity, new police staffing and targeted road and parks work. The council also discussed delaying a proposed park ranger program to monitor the early impact of other Measure O investments before adding that recurring expense.

The council voted by roll call to adopt Resolution 25‑41 approving the midyear budget adjustments, the Measure O spending plan, the position list updates and authorization for the interfund loan up to $15 million. Roll call recorded: Council member Alcala — Aye; Council member Early — Aye; Council member Orozco — Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Sulpizio Hall — Aye; Mayor Guerrero — Aye.

Staff said implementation will begin immediately on items that can be started quickly (equipment purchases, recruitment for approved positions and CIPs with ready designs) and that future budget cycles will return to council for additional Measure O programming as revenue and needs evolve.