Brentwood City Manager Gus Vina announced Friday that the Fiscal Year 2015/16 Budget-in-Brief is now available on the City’s website. The Budget-in-Brief provides a condensed version of both the FY 2015/16 Operating Budget and the FY 2015/16 –2019/20 Capital Improvement Program.
It includes an overview of the City’s budgeted revenues and expenditures and key information impacting budget development. Here is a look at the Expenditures and Revenue Charts:
Budget Development
This Budget-in-Brief is a condensed version of the City of Brentwood’s adopted Operating Budget for the 2015/16 Fiscal Year (FY), which runs from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. It represents priorities set by the City Council through the City’s strategic plan process. The City adopts an Operating Budget every two years and the City Council conducts public budget reviews every six months during the two-year budget period.
During these reviews, the City Council may approve adjustments, to either the City’s revenues or expenditures, based on either operational changes or current economic conditions. The end result of this collaborative process is a budget which reflects the strategic plan adopted by the City Council.
Budget Challenges
During the recession, economic conditions presented significant fiscal challenges for local governmental agencies.
However, the continuing general improvement in the economy as a whole has had positive effects on the City. Property taxes have increased in each of the last three years, following five consecutive annual declines.
The City has also seen increased development activity and a general upturn in the housing market, with the City issuing residential permits which have exceeded projections for the last three fiscal years. This in turn has led to additional pressure on expenditures, as the rising population places increased demands on City services.
The City Council continues to make public safety a priority. This budget includes funding to establish a Police Dispatch Center, projected to be in operation by July 2017, and continued funding for the Police Sworn Position Overstaffing Plan, to help ensure the City maintains adequate police staffing levels at all times.
Budget Outlook
Fiscal strength and long-term financial stability are key components of the City’s Budget and Fiscal Policy. The FY 2015/16 Operating Budget underscores the City Council’s commitment to continue to make cost containment a high priority while adhering to the Budget Development Guidelines. These guidelines and principles have resulted in a projected General Fund Undesignated Reserve of $12.7 million as of June 30, 2015, ensuring the City maintains its 30% reserves while fully funding critical services such as public safety.
The City utilizes a ten-year General Fund Fiscal Model (“Fiscal Model”) to ensure it is on a financially sustainable path. The Fiscal Model provides detailed analysis of the next ten years of revenues, expenses and fund balance. This analysis provides the City the ability to identify potential future economic challenges allowing sufficient time to develop solutions which minimize the impacts to residents.
The Fiscal Model’s outlook has improved over the past few years due to the rebounding economy. However, it will take sustained growth in key revenue sources, such as property tax, for the City to continue providing quality services to both current and future residents.
City Council Goals
- (Listed Alphabetically)
- Deliver Excellent Public Services
- Enhance Community and Neighborhood Improvement
- Ensure Long-term Financial Stability and Sustainability
- Promote Economic and Community Development
- Provide for Effective Transportation and Infrastructure
- Provide for the Public’s Safety
The Budget-in-Brief can be viewed at: http://www.brentwoodca.gov/gov/finance/docs/budget.asp
