Agenda Item #16.1
For Council Meeting of: January 28, 2025
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ALAN ALTON, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING ON FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET PRIORITIES AGENDA ACTION: PUBLIC HEARING
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by the Finance Department that the Council hold a public hearing on budget priorities and consider written and oral comments as part of future budget deliberations. No action is necessary.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Every year, pursuant to the City Charter, the City Council holds a public hearing to solicit input from the community on priorities to be considered for the upcoming budget. This meeting complies with Charter requirements relative to posting and being held prior to the City Council goal setting meeting. It also marks the kick-off of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 budget process.
BACKGROUND
The City Charter, Section 28(a), states that “…not later than March 31st of each year and prior to any annual goal setting meeting held by the Council, the Council shall hold a public hearing seeking oral and written comment from the public on budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.” Public input is an important component to the preparation of the budget. This public hearing also provides information to the City Council as they establish and refine their Council Goals. In addition to this public hearing, members of the public may provide comments or suggestions at any time on the City’s website.
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
This is an annual public hearing held by the City Council.
ANALYSIS
Pursuant to City Charter, a public hearing notice to solicit public input on budget priorities for the next fiscal year was published in the Press Democrat on January 16, 2025, and again on January 23, 2025. Also pursuant to City Charter, the public hearing on budget priorities will be held prior to the City Council goal-setting meeting in 2025.
Written comments and suggestions can also be directed to the City Clerk at the following addresses:
Attn: City Clerk
Santa Rosa City Hall
100 Santa Rosa Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Finally, the public may provide input relative to the upcoming budget on the City’s Public Involvement page, located on the website at www.srcity.org/BudgetComments.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from holding the public hearing.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the proposed action is not a “project” subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it does not have a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. In the alternative, the proposed action is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable.
NOTIFICATION
Publication in the Press Democrat as listed above.
ATTACHMENTS
Public Hearing Notice
Presentation – Budget Priorities
PRESENTER
Veronica Conner, Budget and Financial Analysis Manager
PUBLIC HEARING ON FY 2025-26 BUDGET PRIORITIES
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