Santa Maria council receives second‑quarter financial report and adopts budget amendments including limited pension‑reserve draw

The Santa Maria City Council received and filed the fiscal 2024–25 second‑quarter financial report and adopted a resolution approving several budget amendments on Feb. 18.

Why it matters: The report showed revenues and expenditures near the half‑year mark, ongoing expenditure pressures, and staff proposals that aim to narrow the budget gap without increasing the general fund deficit. Among the amendments approved was a one‑time $3.1 million draw from a pension reserve that currently holds $13.2 million.

What the council voted on The council voted to receive and file the second‑quarter financial report and to adopt a resolution approving specified budget amendments. The roll call on the resolution was: Councilmember Aguilera Hernandez, Aye; Councilmember Sotto, Aye; Councilmember Flores, Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo, No; Mayor Alice Patino, Aye (4–1). The consent calendar was approved earlier in the meeting by unanimous vote (5–0).

Key figures presented - General fund: Revenues were approximately 40% of the annual budget at mid‑year; the presentation showed general‑fund…