City of Sacramento Fiscal year 2015/16 Proposed Budget
City Manager releases next fiscal year budget reflecting council priorities; Cautions of need to be ‘realistic in consideration of the challenges ahead’’
Today Sacramento City Manager John Shirey released the Fiscal Year 2015/16 Proposed Budget – the City’s financial plan for the coming fiscal year July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.
“The budget reflects the Council’s collective priorities and the policy and program concerns of the community at large,” said John Shirey. “It also furthers the City’s efforts to becoming the ‘Best Managed City in California.’”
The total budget for FY2015/16 is $940.5 million, including $393.6 million for General Fund operations, $456.3 million for Enterprise and other fund operations, and $90.6 million for capital improvement projects. The budget is expected to be adopted on June 9.
This year’s budget development process included more active involvement of the Mayor and City Council. The efforts of the newly implemented Budget and Audit Committee, Council workshops, community meetings and a community survey provided an opportunity to more broadly engage councilmembers and the public.
As a result, the City Manager is directing $22.2 million in General Fund and Measure U half-cent sales tax resources to address priority initiatives and investment in key areas. The following are a few examples of where funds are being directed to better serve citizens. Details are included in the overview section of the budget on page 13.
Public Safety
- $1 million to establish a pipeline hiring plan to recruit a more diverse police force
- Pilot program for body cameras for police officers
- $10 million to replace functionally obsolete fire stations (Station 14 in the Central City and Station 15 in South Natomas)
Economic Development
- $2.1 million to plan strategically for growth and housing in the city core
- More staff to respond to process planning and building permits
Quality of Life
- $2 million for significant repairs and improvements throughout the City’s park system
- $1.1 million for the Homeless Housing Initiative
- Six additional Animal Care positions at the shelter
Good Governance
- New digital technologies to make accessing City services online easier and providing services more efficiently
- Updating the 311 Call Center and its associated software and digital applications
“While revenues have improved, we must continue to carefully prioritize spending going forward to meet the critical needs identified in the community and by Councilmembers,” Shirey cautioned. “We must work identify strategies to address the structural budget imbalance that is projected in fiscal year 2016/17 and beyond.”
“I am committed to working with the Mayor and City Council on setting priorities. I believe that together, we can address these challenges and move forward successfully making Sacramento a wonderful place to live, work and play,” Shirey said.