City of Fort Bragg
FY 2026-27 Budget Workshop
Purpose of the Workshop
The goal is to keep the discussion focused on the major policy questions: confirm the proposed FY 2026-27 budget assumptions, review key fiscal risks, discuss major priorities, and receive Council direction before final adoption.
Workshop Outline
Step
Topic
Focus
Council Direction Needed
1. Opening Remarks
City Manager overview: budget momentum, fiscal discipline, challenges, and need to remain nimble and prudent.
2. Mid-Year budget goals + Overview
Balanced budget, current service levels, reserves, workforce, pension policy, fiscal discipline.
Does Council agree the budget meets these Budget goals? Public Comment
3. GF Revenue discussion
Sales tax, TOT, property tax, reimbursements, grants, Visit Fort Bragg, tax base growth.
What should staff monitor or prioritize to grow revenues? Public Comment
4. GF Expenditure discussion
Labor, benefits, CalPERS, insurance, public safety, technology, internal allocations, service levels.
Any expenditures to reduce, defer, or revisit?
Public Comment
5. Department Budgets and Highlights
Public safety, Finance, ED, Fleet,MCN, CDD, MCN, Fire, CV Starr, IT, Facilities, VFB, Public Works, Admin & City Council, Non-Departmental, Water & WW Are priorities aligned with Council direction?
Public Comment
6. CIP
Water, Wastewater, MCN/Broadband, CV Starr, and $20M CIP.
Any capital or enterprise fund issues to flag?
Public Comment
7. Long-term forecast
Operating deficits begin FY 2027-28; fund balance decline if trends continue.
What strategies should staff bring back?
Public Comment
8. Other Council Direction & Discussion
Does Council support the proposed approach to reallocate the ARPA funds? Does Council support the proposed department staffing and service-level assumptions What actions should staff prioritize to grow the tax base and support business attraction, retention, tourism, broadband, housing, and redevelopment? What follow-up information should staff provide before final adoption? Any changes to Measure AA/AB Advisory Measure?
9. Wrap-up and next steps
Summarize direction and confirm path to adoption.
What follow-up information should staff provide before final adoption on June 29.
Key Questions: City Council
Does Council support the FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget assumptions as presented? Are there any changes Council wants before final adoption? Does Council support the use of repurposing ARPA funds? Does Council support the current service level and staffing assumptions? Does Council support the proposed CIP and enterprise fund direction? What should staff prioritize to grow the tax base: business retention, attraction, tourism, downtown revitalization, broadband, housing, or redevelopment? What cost containment or revenue strategies should staff evaluate before the mid-year review?