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Orland faces a projected $500,000 operating gap; staff to present options at May study session
Summary
A third‑quarter budget review showed revenues lagging year‑to‑date and a projected general fund shortfall of about $500,000 if current trends continue; staff recommended reconciliation of departmental charges, contract reviews and a May budget study session to present options for balancing the 2026–27 budget.
Finance consultant Robert Moreno presented the council with a third‑quarter look at the city’s general fund on April 7, reporting that revenues were at about 68% of budget through March 31 while expenditures were about 74%—leaving the city on pace for an operating shortfall if current trends persist.
Moreno noted that sales tax and property tax timing affect the current percentages and that one‑time reimbursements received this fiscal year will not recur next year. Combining the general fund with Measures A and J balances produces a different presentation in audited statements, he said, but the operating outlook for the core general fund still shows pressure: “If nothing changes … we’ll probably have about a $500,000 plus deficit,” Moreno told the council.
Staff recommended several steps ahead of the June budget adoption deadline: (1) reconcile and correct account coding to ensure accurate department totals; (2) review interagency contracts and reimbursements so the city isn’t subsidizing other agencies; and (3) host a detailed budget study session in May to present options—raising revenue, reducing services, stretching expenditures, or a mix of those measures—for council guidance.
Council members emphasized transparency and vowed to bring the public into the study session process. No binding budget decisions were made at the meeting; staff will return with a more detailed set of options for council consideration.
