Finance and Management Services
www.santa-ana.org/finance
Item # 10
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
December 19, 2023
TOPIC: Budget Calendar and Community Engagement Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-25
AGENDA TITLE
Budget Calendar and Community Engagement Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-25
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the Budget Calendar and Community Engagement Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-
25. GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
The Calendar (Exhibit 1) and Community Engagement Plan (Exhibit 2) are provided for City Council consideration as documents that set the parameters for a successful, inclusive, and transparent budget process. The proposed Calendar provides a framework of key tasks and dates for City Council, the community, and city staff.
The purpose of community engagement is to focus on activities that facilitate interaction, nuanced discussions, and exploration of budget simulation tools. Santa Ana’s Community Engagement Plan proposes specific outreach strategies that promote broad participation in the annual budget development process across all Council Wards.
Financial Updates, Budget Discussions, and Process
The internal budget process began last month, and the public process will likely begin in February. During the budget process, the City Council receives reports for two different fiscal years. Though the budget process focuses on the future FY 2024-25, the current year reports provide insight on budget trends and challenges.
Current FY 2023-24 Future FY 2024-25
Midyear (or Second Quarter) report
scheduled for February 20
Early Budget Direction scheduled for
March 19
Third Quarter report scheduled for
May 21
Various Budget Work Sessions and
agenda items scheduled for May
Public Hearing and Adoption scheduled
for June
Budget Calendar and Community Engagement Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-25 December 19, 2023
3 9
2 9
Beginning in mid-March, staff will present a framework for the FY 2024-25 Budget Discussion and seek direction from City Council. Discussion topics may include but are not limited to City Council priorities and strategies on funding programs and/or services, and recommendations for one-time resources.
In addition to attending various citywide events, Community Budget Meetings are planned for March and April 2024 to gather community input. During this time, the Budget Team also begins conducting budget meetings with city departments. These meetings provide departments an opportunity to propose any organizational changes, budget requests, and enhancements to existing programs.
On May 21, 2024, staff has planned for a Ten-Year General Fund Financial Outlook, and preliminary Capital Improvement Program (CIP) update. This provides an additional opportunity for further FY 2024-25 budget discussion by City Council.
Subsequently, during May and June of 2024, staff has planned to present multiple iterations of the Citywide Operating Budget and CIP. A public hearing (first reading) is planned for June 4, 2024, and the final adoption (second reading) will occur on June 18, 2024.
The Calendar commences on December 19, 2023, and concludes with the adoption of the FY 2024-25 Citywide Operating Budget and CIP, which becomes effective July 1, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Calendar
2. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Engagement Plan
Submitted By: Kathryn Downs, FMSA Executive Director
Approved By: Tom Hatch, Interim City Manager