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Buena Park Finance Director Reports Strong Sales Tax; Council Reviews Measure R Priorities and Midyear Carryovers
Summary
Finance Director Seung Hyun reported sales tax and other revenues came in stronger than expected for FY 23/24, lifting the general fund reserve to roughly $39.9 million; staff proposed Measure R priorities including 10 public‑safety positions and several infrastructure projects, and requested carryover of grant funds and capital items.
Buena Park — At a study session Tuesday evening, Finance Director Seung Hyun presented the city’s midyear budget review, reporting that sales tax and other revenues came in modestly ahead of projections and that the city ended FY 2023–24 with a general fund reserve near $39.9 million.
"The biggest anomaly would be sales tax revenue," Seung Hyun said, summarizing comparative actuals for FY 22/23 and FY 23/24 and noting an increase versus budget. He told council the sectors performing well included autos, restaurants and hotels, and that staff is adjusting the current fiscal‑year sales‑tax forecast upward as a result.
The presentation covered department expenditures (largely within budget), restricted funds and several carryover requests. Staff recommended carrying forward grant balances and unfinished capital projects — examples included a tobacco enforcement grant, police equipment carryovers and public‑works items such as HVAC and security‑camera work at city facilities.
City Manager France and Assistant City Manager Eddie Fenton then outlined Measure R spending priorities the council should consider during the budget cycle: public‑safety hiring (staff recommended four police officers, one lieutenant, two dispatchers, two records clerks and one administrative assistant — ten positions recommended for the next fiscal year), seven infrastructure and operations positions (including a facilities maintenance supervisor and principal engineer), and capital projects such as the Knott Avenue pavement project, Phase 3 of the Silverado Trust project and a pump track at Peak Park.
Councilmembers sought detail on how to measure Measure R’s impact. Several members urged a one‑year evaluation on pilot efforts and cautioned that some positions are difficult to recruit for and will need phased implementation. Staff noted the city will track Measure R revenues separately in a distinct fund and will return with a full budget proposal in May.
What this means: The midyear review shows the city in a stronger‑than‑expected revenue position, giving council room to consider additional staffing and capital investments tied to Measure R priorities. Several proposed hires are intended to improve 911 response, case processing and infrastructure maintenance; council emphasized the need to phase hires to match recruitment realities.
Next steps: Staff will return with a proposed budget based on these priorities in May and requested council concurrence to carry over identified grants and capital items into the current fiscal year.
