Assistant city manager reports midyear budget shortfall; council presses for quarterly department reports

Assistant City Manager Regina Rubio presented Clayton's 2024–25 midyear general fund review on March 18, saying the city budget is tracking close to planned revenue but expenses are projected to exceed appropriations by roughly $342,000.

Rubio summarized the numbers: the city budgeted about $5.8 million in general fund revenue and, as of Jan. 31, had realized roughly $3.5 million. Year‑to‑date general fund expenses were about $4.7 million with a projected year‑end expense of $6.2 million. "We project to end at $6,200,000," Rubio said, listing cost drivers including animal control rate increases, Concord dispatch costs and professional services.

Council members pressed staff on several line items: Council Member Diaz asked about a $24,000 overage for Concord dispatch and whether the city simply underbudgeted; Rubio said dispatch rates increased and the final number was not available at budget adoption. Council members also asked for quarterly department reports and expanded contract oversight; several members said a standing report to the Budget and Audit Committee would help detect issues earlier.

Rubio recommended the council receive the midyear report and direct staff to continue the 2025–26 budget process and return for a final year‑end review in May and June. Council did not adopt any new appropriations at the meeting. The city manager also reported that recruitment is underway for five positions and that the police‑chief job posting closes next week.