Buellton Council files 2025 financial report, auditors give clean opinion

The Buellton City Council voted to file its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, following a presentation from the finance director that described stable reserves, rising net position, and higher utility fund costs.

Finance Director Chanel Zamora presented the report and said the city "continues to demonstrate strong fiscal health and responsible financial management." She told the council the city's net position increased by $2.8 million, to $57.98 million, and the general fund ended the year with an unassigned fund balance of $15 million. Zamora also reported that business-type activities (water and sewer) generated $4.7 million in revenue while expenses rose about 12.9 percent, driven by higher operations, maintenance and infrastructure costs.

The report was audited by the city's independent auditors, who issued an unmodified (clean) opinion, a point Zamora and Mayor David Silva highlighted in thanking staff for sound financial management. "This reflects the strength of the city's internal controls and financial practices," Zamora said.

Council members responded with praise for the finance team and for prior council choices that the report said contributed to Buellton's position. After brief remarks, a council member moved to approve and file the report; the motion was seconded and adopted by the members present.

The council did not direct additional action on the report at the meeting; staff will retain the ACFR as the official, audited financial statement for public record and follow usual reporting practices.

The city manager's office and finance department will make the filed ACFR available to the public per city practice and state reporting requirements.