Eureka presents FY 2025–26 budget plan as sales tax dips, property tax and zoo receipts rise

Director Millar presented a high‑level overview of the City of Eureka’s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget on May 27, telling the joint City Council and Finance Advisory Board meeting that the general fund is expected to show only modest growth despite mixed trends across revenue sources. "The majority of general fund revenues come from one source," Millar said, and while property tax receipts are forecast to rise, sales tax is projected to decline.

Millar said the city expects little overall growth in tax revenues but identified three material revenue sources — taxes, intergovernmental revenue and charges for services — and noted that some intergovernmental receipts shifted out of the general fund when Cape and Care operations were moved into a separate fund. He highlighted specific figures: sales tax collections have fallen by about $1.2 million since FY 2012 (approximate), adopted TOT (transient occupancy tax) for FY 24–25 was roughly $3.3 million versus about $3.25 million…