Atherton council adopts fiscal year 2627 budget and fee schedule

City staff presented the fiscal-year 2627 budget package—including operating and CIP budgets, an unrepresented salary and benefit resolution, the salary-and-classification schedule, the appropriations limit resolution and the master fee schedule amendments.

Staff reported general-fund revenues of about $26.2 million and expenditures of about $23.4 million, producing a one-year operating surplus near $2.79 million and a projected year-end fund balance near $11.7 million that includes required reserves. Property tax remains the town’s largest revenue source. On the capital side the council reallocated funds following study sessions: it removed the Selby bicycle lane project and approved four projects (Middlefield pedestrian improvement design, El Camino–Rialto–Atherton intersection study, drainage master plan update, and Herbert Palmer Park asphalt pathway repairs), producing total CIP expenditures of about $5.16 million.

The budget package also included fee changes (a 2.5% CPI escalator on many fees and amendments to planning/building fees) and a temporary reduction to zero for certain alarm-permit fees. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about revenue risk related to VLF/property tax treatments at the state level and other details; staff noted the town’s reserve policy and ongoing audit-and-finance work.

On motion and second, council approved the five budget-related resolutions and associated schedules. Staff will finalize administrative corrections and return any required documentation to the county and CalPERS (as applicable).