City seeks public's input on upcoming budget challenges
Sacramento, CA (February 27, 2024) - The City of Sacramento is developing its budget for fiscal year 2024/25 and is seeking the public’s input through upcoming community meetings and an online survey.
The City is facing significant financial challenges and will need to close a projected $66 million budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year, said City Finance Director Pete Coletto.
“As we work with the City Council to develop a balanced budget, we encourage the public to participate in the process and share their thoughts and priorities,” Coletto said.
The public is encouraged to attend any of the community meetings to provide input; they are also invited to participate in an online survey available on the City’s website.
Community meetings
6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 6
North Natomas Community Center (2631 New Market Drive)
6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13
Pannell Meadowview Community Center (2450 Meadowview Road)
6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 14
Clunie Community Center (601 Alhambra Blvd.)
Online survey
Take the budget survey by clicking here.
The survey is available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Dari. The survey closes March 24.
For interpretation or translation needs for the meetings or survey, email CE@cityofsacramento.org or call 916-808-5640 at least 72 hours in advance.
Budget background
Over the past several budget cycles, the City’s finance department has projected a pending deficit as part of its five-year forecasts.
The City’s deficit is not due to a recession. It is a structural deficit, meaning the City’s expenses are outpacing its revenue growth, and it will need to be addressed by a combination of increasing ongoing revenues and reducing ongoing costs.
This deficit is a result of multiple causes including inflation, increased pension liability and insurance costs, new labor agreements, expansion into new service areas and voter approved ballot measures that direct general fund spending.
According to officials, the path to achieve structural balance will likely be through a combination of cost cutting, increasing revenues and potentially adjusting service levels and the City as an organization.
City departments are currently developing cost-saving plans. Ultimately, through the budget process, the City Council will decide on strategies to address the deficit.
The proposed budget development is slated for March and April, with budget hearings in May and final adoption by the City Council in June.
The budget hearings are open to the public, accessible through online streaming and broadcasted on Metro Cable Channel 14 and 96.5 FM.
