By: Nick Pegueros

City Manager Alex McIntyre presented his proposed 2017-18 budget to the community at a public meeting Wednesday, May 31. The $116.88 million balanced budget continues to make substantial progress on the City Council’s 56 work plan initiatives for 2017-18 and provides modest service level enhancements. 

The General Fund, the fund responsible for the vast majority of services to the community, has a proposed spending plan of $56.26 million leaving a $600,000 surplus for the fiscal year. Included in the budget are several service level enhancements such as a new part-time employee to expand service hours at the Belle Haven Branch Library, and additional funds to address trees stressed by the years of drought. Interested community members are encouraged to review the proposed budget at the Main library or online.

A public hearing is scheduled on June 6 at 7 p.m. and is the community's opportunity to offer input on the proposed 2017-18 budget. Following public comment, the City Council will discuss the budget and provide direction to staff to return to the City Council at their public meeting on June 20 with a final budget for their adoption.