ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: Finance Item No: D4
Prepared by:
Kelly Gil, Senior Management Analyst
Sara Taylor, Finance Manager Meeting Date: May 13, 2025 Approved by:
Mike Sylvia, Finance Director/Treasurer
John Conley, City Manager Agenda Location: Discussion
SUBJECT: DRAFT FISCAL YEARS 2025/26 AND 2026/27 OPERATING BUDGET
RECOMMENDATION: Receive a report on the draft Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27 Operating Budget and provide direction to staff.
CORRELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS: Homelessness and Housing, Public Safety, Fiscal Responsibility, A Cleaner, More Beautiful Vista, Climate and Environmental Responsibility, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, Traffic: Continue to enhance mobility safety, improve the flow of traffic for all forms of travel, reduce congestion, and improve roads and sidewalks.
PRIOR ACTION: On March 6, 2025, held a Budget Workshop, received a report on the Operating Budget preparation for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27 and provided direction to staff (No Vote).
On June 11, 2024, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-103, Buena Sanitation District Resolution No. 2024-05, and Community Development Commission Resolution No. 2024- 02, amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2023/ 24 and 2024/ 25 (Vote: 5-0).
On November 7, 2024, received the goals update and provided direction to staff; revised Goal 8 to read "Traffic: Continue to enhance mobility safety to improve the flow of traffic for all forms of travel, reduce congestion, and improve our roads and sidewalks” (Vote: No Vote).
PRIOR COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMISSION ACTION: On April 10, 2025, voted to recommend to the City Council the addition of one SNGT Gang Detective position (Vote: 5-0, Riggenbach and Gillian absent).
STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT:
Executive Summary. The City operates on a biennial (two-year) budget process as a means to use human resources more efficiently and reinforce the City’s commitment to long-term fiscal health by extending forecasting past a one-year period. A draft of the Fiscal Years (FYs) 2025/26 and 2026/27 Operating Budget is being presented for City Council review (Exhibit 1). Staff has evaluated the financial needs for the period and is recommending a total operating budget of $179,911,714 for FY 2025/26 and $186,495,349 for FY 2026/27, which is sufficient for the operational and maintenance needs of the City and its associated agencies.
AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
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MEETING DATE: MAY 13, 2025 PAGE 2
SUBJECT: DRAFT FISCAL YEARS 2025/26 AND 2026/27 OPERATING BUDGET General Fund Overview.
FY 2025/26: The General Fund, which is the primary funding source for essential services, has estimated revenues for FY 2025/26 of $119,384,454 plus $6,635,439 in other financing sources, for total resources of $126,019,893. Estimated General Fund expenditures for the daily operation of the City for FY 2025/26 total $107,665,946, plus $16,803,024 that is comprised of transfers out to Proposition L debt service, subsidies/transfers out to other funds, and transfers to reserves/designated accounts, for total expenditures and uses of $124,468,970. Given this scenario, the General Fund is projected to have a year-end fund balance of $1,550,923 for FY 2025/26.
FY 2026/27: General Fund estimated revenues for FY 2026/27 are $123,579,250 plus $7,253,123 in other financing sources, for total resources of $130,832,373. Estimated General Fund expenditures for FY 2026/27 total $112,095,643, plus $17,310,809 transfers out to Proposition L debt service, subsidies/transfers out to other funds, and transfers to reserves/designated accounts, for total expenditures and uses of $129,406,452. Given this scenario, the General Fund is projected to have a year-end fund balance of $1,425,921 for FY 2026/27.
The chart below shows the proposed FYs 2025/26 and 2026/27 General Fund operating budget:
Original
Budget
2024/25
Draft Budget
2025/26
Draft Budget
2026/27
Total Revenue 111,129,415 119,384,454 123,579,250
Total Other Financing Sources 5,876,324 6,635,439 7,253,123 Total Revenues and Sources 117,005,739 126,019,893 130,832,373 Total Expenditure 98,762,395 107,665,946 112,095,643
Transfers Out 17,766,844 16,803,024 17,310,809
Total Expenditure and Uses 116,529,239 124,468,970 129,406,452
TOTAL REVENUES
OVER EXPENDITURES $476,500 $1,550,923 $1,425,921
Changes from Operating Budget Workshop. At the March 6, 2025 Operating Budget Workshop, the General Fund was projected to have a deficit of $1,485,191 in FY 2025/26 and $2,047,746 in FY 2026/27.
These projections were based on preliminary departmental expenditure requests and early revenue estimates. Over the past two months, staff has continued refining the budget based on updated information from consultants, direction received during City Council meetings, and ongoing discussions with departments.
As a result of this review, the draft Operating Budget is now balanced, with projected year-end General Fund surpluses of $1,550,923 in FY 2025/26 and $1,425,921 in FY 2026/27. The most significant changes from the workshop version are summarized below:
Revenues: General Fund revenue projections, excluding the use of reserves, increased by $1.9 million in FY 2025/26 and $2.3 million in FY 2026/27. The most notable increases occurred in the Charges for Services category, which rose by approximately $2 million in each year, largely due to revised ambulance fee revenue estimates provided by the City's billing vendor following the implementation of updated ambulance rates.
In addition, Use of Reserves increased by $475,000 in FY 2025/26 and $1.2 million in FY 2026/27, primarily to support fire vehicle and equipment replacements as outlined below.
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MEETING DATE: MAY 13, 2025 PAGE 3
SUBJECT: DRAFT FISCAL YEARS 2025/26 AND 2026/27 OPERATING BUDGET Expenses: Excluding the fire fleet purchases funded by reserves, General Fund expenditure estimates decreased by $981,000 in FY 2025/26 and $858,000 in FY 2026/27. These reductions reflect adjustments across multiple areas, including an estimated $300,000 in subsidy reductions to General Fund-supported program units and other miscellaneous cost savings.
Fire fleet and equipment replacements, which were not included in the original workshop budget, have since been incorporated. Purchases are funded by monies set aside in previous fiscal years and include $360,000 for the replacement of three vehicles, including a Duty Battalion Chief command vehicle, for FY 2025/26 and $919,000 for the replacement of two Deputy Chief vehicles and 16 cardiac monitors for FY 2026/27.
FYs 2025/26 and 2026/27 General Fund Revenue. The General Fund Summary report (Exhibit 2) details revenue forecasted for FYs 2025/26 and 2026/27. The largest single component of General Fund revenues are taxes, which includes property tax, sales tax, medical cannabis tax, transient occupancy tax, and franchise fee taxes. A total of $85,968,781 is projected for taxes in FY 2025/26, including $12,108,428 of Proposition L revenue. For FY 2026/27 $89,080,449 is projected for taxes, including $12,540,699 for Proposition L revenue. A summary of the major general fund revenues can be found in the Operating Budget Summary.
Other financing sources are shown separately from revenues (new monies to the City) because other financing sources are monies either transferred in from Non-General Fund funds (Operation Transfers In) or are use of monies previously set aside for specific purposes (Reserve Use-Operations). The final “other” financing source is Interdepartmental Direct Service charges, which are overhead revenues earned by General Fund staff performing administrative functions for Non-General Fund funds.
General Fund revenues are categorized as follows:
Category Description Original Budget
2024/25
Proposed
Budget 2025/26
Proposed
Budget 2026/27
Taxes
Property, Sales, Transient
Occupancy Taxes, Franchise
Fees
83,657,647 85,968,781 89,080,449
Licenses & Permits Business Licenses 2,771,654 2,583,670 2,660,818 Intergovernmental Grants 927,628 248,426 248,426
Charges for Services Recreation, Building, Engineering, Planning, Fire Fees 18,651,898 22,975,099 23,526,700
Fines & Forfeitures Citation Fees, Fines, Collections 1,393,210 1,466,200 1,466,200 Use of Money & Property Investment Earnings,
Lease/Rental Income 3,109,182 5,367,271 5,814,095
Other Revenue Contributions, Recycling Revenue 618,196 775,007 782,562 TOTAL REVENUE $111,129,415 $119,384,454 $123,579,250
Inter-department Direct
Service Charges Charges for services to Non-
General Fund funds
4,432,746 4,980,570 4,980,570
Operation
Transfers In 362,559 429,899 429,899
Reserve Use-Operations
Previously set aside monies, to
fund capital purchases or debt
service
1,081,019 1,224,970 1,842,654
TOTAL OTHER FINANCING SOURCES $5,876,324 $6,635,439 $7,253,123 TOTAL REVENUES AND SOURCES $117,005,739 $126,019,893 $130,832,373 05/13/2025
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MEETING DATE: MAY 13, 2025 PAGE 4
SUBJECT: DRAFT FISCAL YEARS 2025/26 AND 2026/27 OPERATING BUDGET FYs 2025/26 and 2026/27 General Fund Expenditures. The General Fund Summary report (Exhibit 2) outlines projected expenditures of $124,468,970 for FY 2025/26 and $129,406,452 for FY 2026/27. These amounts are expected to fully support the City’s operational needs and contractual obligations.
Expenditures are grouped into five main categories: General Government, Public Safety, Community Development, Public Works, and Community Services. Public Safety, which includes law enforcement, fire protection, and paramedic services, represents the largest share of spending, totaling $69,534,210 in FY 2025/26 and increasing to $72,589,801 in FY 2026/27.
General Fund expenditures are categorized as follows:
Category Description Original Budget
2024/25
Proposed
Budget 2025/26
Proposed
Budget 2026/27
General Government
City Council, City Manager, City
Attorney, City Clerk, Finance,
Economic Development, Human
Resources
11,056,736 11,804,510 12,159,053
Public Safety Law Enforcement, Fire and
Emergency Medical Services 64,618,779 69,534,210 72,589,801 Community
Development
Planning, Building Inspection,
Development Services, Code
Enforcement
6,896,706 6,701,338 6,944,639
Public
Works/Engineering
Street Maintenance, Graffiti
Abatement, Park Maintenance,
Engineering, Traffic Engineering
7,874,248 10,206,703 10,744,715
Community Services Recreation, Senior Services, Cultural Arts 8,315,926 9,419,185 9,657,435
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $98,762,395 $107,665,946 $112,095,643 Transfers Out Subsidies and Prop L debt service 17,766,844 16,803,024 17,310,809 TOTAL EXPENDITURES AND USES $116,529,239 $124,468,970 $129,406,452
Personnel Changes. The Draft Operating Budget does not include any new full-time positions; however, seven position changes are recommended to align staffing with organizational needs:
• Reclassify Senior Office Specialist to Human Resources Technician in the Human Resources Department.
• Reclassify Paralegal to Legal Secretary in the City Attorney Department. • Reclassify Plan Check Engineer to Senior Plan Check Engineer in the Community Development Department.
• Reclassify Management Assistant to Management Analyst split between the Community Development and Engineering Departments.
• Retitle Homeless Services Program Manager to Housing & Homelessness Division Manager in the City Manager’s Department.
• Reclassify 0.75 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Recreation Coordinator to a 1.0 FTE in the Recreation & Community Services Department.
• Reclassify 0.75 FTE Senior Office Specialist to a 1.0 FTE in the Recreation & Community Services Department.
Additionally, at the Council Meeting on April 8, 2025, staff was directed to explore options for enhancing evening Code Enforcement coverage. The current strategy is to assign evening and weekend shifts to any newly hired officer replacing a departing employee. While this approach addresses short-term needs, the 05/13/2025
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SUBJECT: DRAFT FISCAL YEARS 2025/26 AND 2026/27 OPERATING BUDGET potential addition of a dedicated Code Enforcement Officer may be considered in the future, though it is not included in the FY 2025/26 or FY 2026/27 budgets.
FYs 2025/26 and 2026/27 General Fund Subsidies. There are several program areas that require General Fund subsidies to continue operating:
Subsidy
Approved
Subsidy
Level
Original
Budget
2024/25
Proposed
Budget
2025/26
Proposed
Budget
2026/27
Senior Nutrition Program (Fund 107) Goal of
375,000 413,730 425,497 437,110
Lighting & Landscape Maintenance (Fund 108) 275,000 264,626 526,718 567,559 Wave Waterpark (Fund 507) 400,000 701,304 958,163 1,001,183 TOTAL NON-GENERAL FUND SUBSIDIES $1,050,000 $1,379,660 $1,910,378 $2,005,852 Cultural Arts 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000
Interactive Draft Operating Budget Document. In addition to the traditional printed format (Exhibit 1), the Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27 Operating Budget is also available in a digital, interactive format to provide a more accessible and user-friendly alternative. This digital version includes the same comprehensive content as the PDF edition, enhanced with dynamic charts, graphs, and intuitive navigation tools that make it easier for users to explore the City’s financial priorities, departmental goals, and funding allocations. To access the current and prior year budget documents and financial reports, please visit vista.gov/budget.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no direct fiscal impact associated with discussing the draft budget. As indicated at the beginning of this report, the General Fund is projected to have a year-end fund balance of $1,550,923 in FY 2025/26 and $1,425,921 in FY 2026/27.
Staff will bring the final FYs 2025/26 and 2026/27 Operating Budget to the City Council for approval in June.
Any fiscal impacts will be evaluated and implemented after receiving direction from the City Council.
The draft FYs 2025/26 and 2026/27 Operating Budget expense totals are $179,911,714 for FY 2025/26 and $186,495,349 for FY 2026/27 broken down by Fund Type as follows:
Fund Type Original Budget
2024/25
Proposed
Budget 2025/26
Proposed
Budget 2026/27
General Fund 116,529,239 124,468,970 129,406,452
Special Revenue 8,153,662 8,892,631 9,332,348
Successor Agency 7,123,792 7,130,959 7,605,585
Enterprise 39,546,907 39,419,154 40,150,964
TOTAL $171,353,600 $179,911,714 $186,495,349
Internal Service Funds are excluded from the total Operating Budget, as their costs are recovered through internal charges that are already reflected in the allocated costs expense category within each fund.
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MEETING DATE: MAY 13, 2025 PAGE 6
SUBJECT: DRAFT FISCAL YEARS 2025/26 AND 2026/27 OPERATING BUDGET EXHIBITS:
1. Draft FYs 2025/26 and 2026/27 Operating Budget
2. General Fund Revenue & Expenditure Summary
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DRAFT OPERATING BUDGET
Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27
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EXHIBIT 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Reader’s Guide 5
Introduction 6
Mission Statement 7
City Council Goals 8
Organizational Structure 10
Basis of Budgeting 11
Budgeting Process 12
Financial Policies 13
Demographics 15
Budget Summary 20
Personnel Changes 25
Use of Reserves 30
Transfer to Reserves 33
Operating Transfers 34
Funds Summary Overview 35
Operating Funds Summary 37
General Fund 40
Special Revenue Funds 45
Community Development Block Grant 49
Gas Tax HUTA 50
Gas Tax RMRA 51
Senior Nutrition Fund 52
Vista Housing Authority 53
Assessment District Funds 54
Successor Agency 57
Enterprise Funds 58
Vista Sewer Fund 61
Buena Sanitation District Fund 62
WAVE Waterpark Fund 63
CMTC Fund 64
Internal Service Funds 65
Risk Managment Fund 67
Building & Facility Maintenance Fund 68
Fleet Maintenance Fund 69
Information Technology Fund 70
Departments Summary 71
General Government 72
City Council 76
City Manager 78
City Attorney 81
City Clerk 84
Human Resources 87
Finance 90
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Information Technology 93
Economic Development 96
Public Safety 98
Fire 100
Fire Administration 104
Fire Training 105
Fire Maintenance 106
Fire Suppression 107
Fire Prevention 108
Emergency Medical Services 109
Disaster Preparedness 110
Law Enforcement 111
Engineering 113
Engineering CIP 119
Traffic Engineering 121
Land Development 122
Stormwater Engineering 123
Sewer Engineering 124
Public Works 125
Public Works Administration 130
Park Maintenance 131
Parkways & Medians 132
Graffiti Abatement 133
Gas Tax Street Maintenance 134
Assessment Districts 135
Sewer Maintenance 137
Stormwater Maintenace 138
Facility Maintenance 140
Fleet Maintenance 141
Recreation & Community Services 142
RCS Administration 147
Recreation 148
RBV Adobe 149
Senior Services 150
Senior Nutrition 151
Cultural Arts 152
Wave Waterpark 153
Community Development 154
Planning 158
Building & Safety 159
Housing & Homelessness 160
Code Enforcement 163
Funding Sources Overview 166
General Fund 167
Special Revenue 177
Enterprise Funds 183
Internal Service Funds Revenue 185
Debt Services Overview 187
Outstanding Debt 189
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Capital Improvement Plan 190
Appendix 191
Fund Descriptions 192
Capital Replacement 195
Sewer Service 197
Glossary 200
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Reader’s Guide
The City of Vista’s budget serves many purposes: To establish nancial guidelines of meeting City Council policies and priorities, as a communication tool for residents about the services provided by the City and how much the services cost, and as a nancial and planning tool for city management and staff to use as a guide to spending decisions. The budget described in this document is the Operating Budget for city operations; major capital projects are budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program document, which is separately adopted by the City Council.
The City operates on a two-year budget cycle using scal years starting from July 1 to June 30. The public and City Council receive quarterly nancial updates as well as a mid-cycle review approximately 12 months after the initial adoption of the two-year budget.
Document Organization
This guide is designed to help you navigate the City of Vista's budget document and understand the purpose of each major section.
Introduction: Provides an overview of the City’s mission statement, City Council goals, budgeting process, nancial policies, and key demographic information to give context for budget decisions.
Budget Summary: Includes the Executive Summary, which outlines the City's scal outlook and strategic priorities. This section also features personnel summaries and citywide nancial schedules, including a summary of planned uses of reserves and interfund transfers.
Funds Summary Overview: Here you’ll nd a breakdown of the city's various funds, including the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Enterprise Funds, Fiduciary Funds, and Debt Service Funds.
Department's Summary: This section outlines each City department’s budget, areas of responsibility, key budget details, and funded positions.
Funding Sources Overview: Describes the various revenue sources that support City operations, including detailed revenue schedules across all fund types.
Debt Services Overview: This section explains the city’s debt obligations, including what funds are used to pay off debt and the current debt levels.
Capital Improvement Plan: The Capital Budget is adopted separately from the Operating Budget. This section summarizes the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and includes a link to the full document.
Appendix: Contains additional materials to support understanding of the budget, including a glossary, acronyms, and detailed nancial schedules for reference.
Digital Version
The City of Vista is proud to offer a digital version of the Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027 Operating Budget as an accessible, user- friendly alternative to the traditional printed document. This interactive version includes the same comprehensive content as the PDF edition, enhanced with dynamic charts, graphs, and navigation tools that make it easier to explore the City’s nancial priorities and funding allocations. To view the current and prior year budget documents and nancial reports, please visit the City of Vista’s website.
Table of ContentsReader’s Guide
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About the City
The City of Vista is a community positioned in the heart of North San Diego County, California. In 1882 the name Vista, derived from the Spanish word for view, was submitted to the U.S. Postal Service when the rst post of ce opened here.
The City of Vista has a perfect mild Mediterranean climate (averaging a high of 73°F and a low of 53°F1). By the 1950s, the population was around 18,000 people, and on January 28, 1963, the City of Vista was incorporated. Shortly after incorporation, construction of State Route 78 began, making the area more easily accessible.
Over the past few years, Vista has evolved into one of Southern California's most vibrant metropolitan areas. The City is a dynamic and energetic community with a forward-thinking vision for the future. With a population of more than 100,000, Vista is a thriving mid-sized community strategically located just seven miles inland from the Paci c Ocean and borders the neighboring cities of Carlsbad, San Marcos, and Oceanside.
Vista's location makes it ideal for day-trips to the mountains and deserts, as well as tourist attractions including Disneyland, Legoland, and Sea World. Some of the city recreation facilities include 18 parks, the Moonlight Amphitheatre, Avo Playhouse, Wave Waterpark, and the historic Rancho Buena Vista Adobe.
Type of Government: Council-Manager
Date of Incorporation: June 28, 1963
Date of Charter: June 13, 2007
Area: 19 square miles
Table of ContentsIntroduction
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Mission Statement:
The City is dedicated to providing exceptional services, to improving Vista's quality of life, and to enhancing the uniqueness of the Vista community.
Vista City Council
Table of ContentsMission Statement
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City Council Goals
Every two years, the City Council adopts Goals and Objectives to guide the City of Vista. The City Council periodically reviews and updates these goals.
On April 4, 2024, the City Council approved their goals for 2024-2026 as follows:
1). Homelessness & Housing
A. Focus on successful implementation of existing programs and implement the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness and receive regular updates and modify the plan based on program outcomes, community priorities, legislation, and new funding opportunities.
B. Improve analysis of data and outcomes.
C. Market and raise awareness of the City’s response to homelessness, including the Homelessness Outreach Team and hotline.
D. Implement transportation options for homeless individuals needing assistance with shelter options.
E. Expand homelessness and housing services and increase the number of affordable housing units.
F. Pursue legislative advocacy efforts to improve access to mental health services.
G. Eliminate childhood homelessness and partner with Vista Uni ed School District.
H. Identify location to create City-owned shelter.
2). Public Safety
A. Ensure adequate number of public safety personnel.
B. Continue to reduce crime rates.
C. Establish appropriate criteria to determine the appropriate number of public safety positions needed.
D. Pursue grant funding/identify funding or allocate year-end funding to build a Community Center at Luz Duran Park and move the Sheriff’s Substation to the City-owned property at 986 Vista Village Drive.
E. Increase awareness of Domestic Violence and Family Crisis issues.
F. Consider multiple strategies to improve public safety outcomes, including programs, infrastructure and emergency response.
3). Fiscal Responsibility
A. Maintain Emergency Reserves at 30-35 percent.
B. Maximize the return on City investments.
C. Meet CalPERS Pension Reserve Obligation of 1-1.5 years (115 Trust).
D. Seek more grant funding, with priority for shovel-ready projects. 4). A Cleaner, More Beautiful Vista
A. Increase litter cleanup activities.
B. Eliminate visible blight, illegal graf ti, junk and debris.
C. Continue to work with Caltrans to improve the on/off ramp areas.
D. Implement beauti cation projects in neighborhoods that are neglected.
E. Enhance the public right-of-way where possible.
5). Climate and Environmental Responsibility
A. Establish Certi ed Cool Zones.
B. Ensure high enrollment rate in our Clean Energy Alliance.
C. Pursue grant funding for climate and environmental responsibility.
Table of ContentsCity Council Goals
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D. Increase the solar at City facilities.
E. Increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations.
F. Create more tree canopies, community gardens, pocket parks, etc.
G. Encourage more food pantries to deal with food resiliency. 6). Parks and Recreation
A. Prioritize potential land for acquisition of future space to include all types of parks.
B. Create more green space.
C. Expand the trail system to include connectivity between trails.
D. Increase recreation services to the public, including arts and cultural programs.
E. Prioritize cleanliness and state of good repair of our parks and facilities.
F. Increasing awareness and accessibility to City-funded youth scholarship programs. 7). Economic Development
A. Continue to implement the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
B. Continue to attract new revenue and job-generating businesses.
C. Advance equity through workforce development, education opportunities and childcare resources.
D. Facilitate repurposing of vacant retail and of ce spaces.
E. Focus on cleanliness and safety in our Downtown and Paseo Santa Fe corridor.
F. Improve success for Vista businesses and development in our community through review of City codes and ordinances. 8). Traf c: Continue to enhance mobility safety, improve the ow of traf c for all forms of travel, reduce congestion, and improve our roads and sidewalks.
A. Continue to add sidewalks in older neighborhoods based on the City’s Sidewalk Inventory using CDBG funding.
B. Improve pedestrian and bike safety and work towards funding protected bike lanes in accident-prone areas.
C. Implement Vision Zero initiatives.
D. Evaluate strategies to improve neighborhood traf c-calming and prevent cut-through traf c.
E. Implement AB 43 and reduce speeds where appropriate.
F. Increase mobility options.
G. Improve safety and traf c ow on arterial roadways to improve travel times.
Table of ContentsCity Council Goals
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Organizational Chart
The City of Vista is a municipal corporation following the council-manager form of government. The City Council, elected by Vista residents, serves as the city’s legislative body and de nes the policy direction of the city. The City Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the city.
Table of ContentsOrganizational Structure
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Basis of Budgeting
Governments differ from business organizations in their accounting practices. The accounting system for local government is organized on the basis of funds, each of which is considered a separate accounting entity. The purpose of this method is to fairly display speci c activities or objectives in accordance with special regulations, restrictions, or limitations while conforming to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for local governmental units.
The operations of each fund are accounted for by providing a separate set of self-balancing accounts, meaning that the “books” for each fund stand alone and comprise its assets, liabilities, fund equity, revenues, and expenditures or expenses, as appropriate. Under the accrual basis of accounting, revenues are recognized in the period in which they are earned while expenses are recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred.
The City applies all applicable standards of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), an independent, private-sector, not-for-pro t organization. Additionally, pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the Accounting Principles Board (APB), and the Accounting Research Board (ARB) are adhered to. In the case of con icts or contradictions, GASB remains the ultimate authority.
To achieve the objectives described above, the City utilizes fund types which are categorized as being governmental or proprietary.
Monies are spent at
the direction of:
VOTERS
CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGEMENT
In fund types
categorized as being:
Governmental Proprietary
Fund types: General Fund Enterprise
Special Revenue Internal Service
Debt Service
Table of ContentsBasis of Budgeting
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Budgeting Process
The City of Vista develops two budgets, the operating budget and the capital improvement program (CIP) budget. The operating budget is a plan of proposed expenditures for personnel, supplies, and other expenses for the upcoming two scal years (July 1 through June 30).
The initial phase for preparation of the operating budget begins by creating a budget calendar. Due dates are backed into from the target date by which the budget is to be adopted. By June 30, the City must have a balanced budget to be able to begin operations on July 1. A balanced budget means that anticipated expenditures do not exceed anticipated revenues for all funds. A fund is de ned as an accounting entity with a self-balancing set of accounts. Funds are required by law or for nancial administration essentially to keep funding sources separate from another. The City uses in excess of 60 funds, 19 of which are included in the operating budget; the remaining funds include CIP, duciary, and debt service funds.
Prior to the start of the budgeting process, citywide shared costs are calculated. These costs are referred to as allocated costs and are typically items that the City purchases as a single entity. Some allocated costs are based on past use (facility rental, vehicle fuel and maintenance); others are charged based on future use (insurance, technology).
For City departments, the development of the operating budget begins with estimating revenue anticipated for the coming two scal years. The largest source of the City’s revenue comes from taxes (predominantly property and sales tax), followed by charges for services. Revenue estimates are continually reevaluated throughout the budget preparation process as more current information becomes available.
Once initial revenues have been estimated, departments budget for operating expenses. Expenses are developed to support the City Council priorities and objectives of each budget unit.
The next step is for the City Manager and department staff to meet and review expense projections. Revisions from these meetings are made, and then both revenues and expenses are reassessed. This part of the process will repeat until the operating budget is balanced.
When the City Manager is satis ed with the proposed budget, it is presented to various city commissions for review and to determine if it meets the long-term objectives of the City. The operating budget is then presented to the City Council and public for additional review and possible revision before it is ultimately adopted.
OPERATING BUDGET
↓
Revenue estimates are developed
↓
Allocated cost estimates are prepared
↓
Departments develop expense estimates
to support goals and objectives
↓
City Manager and departments meet to
review proposed budgets
↓
Revisions are made to revenues and
expenses for balanced budgets
↓
Proposed budgets are reviewed by
commissions
↓
Proposed budgets are reviewed by City
Council, revisions are made as directed
↓
CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS BUDGET
Table of ContentsBudgeting Process
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Financial Policies
The City of Vista follows generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) as promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The following summarizes the City’s key accounting policies as they relate to the preparation of nancial reports and scal management of City resources.
Basis of Accounting
Governmental funds use the modi ed accrual basis of accounting, under which revenues are recognized when they are both measurable and available to nance current-period expenditures. Expenditures are recorded when the related liability is incurred, except for principal and interest on long-term obligations, which are recognized when due.
Proprietary funds and duciary funds, if applicable, use the full accrual basis of accounting, recognizing revenues when earned and expenses when incurred, regardless of the timing of cash ows.
Fund Accounting
The City uses fund accounting to segregate resources and ensure legal compliance. Each fund is a self-balancing set of accounts and is classi ed into one of the following fund types:
Governmental Funds: Includes the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Capital Project Funds, and Debt Service Funds.
Proprietary Funds: Includes Enterprise Funds (e.g., Sewer, Waterpark) and Internal Service Funds (e.g., Fleet, Information Technology).
Fiduciary Funds: Used to report assets held in a trustee or agency capacity for others.
Revenue Recognition
In governmental funds, revenues are recognized when they are both measurable and available. “Available” means collectible within the current period or soon enough thereafter (typically within 60 days of year-end) to be used to pay current liabilities.
In proprietary funds, revenues are recognized when earned, typically at the point of service delivery. This includes user fees, rents, and permits.
Expenditure/Expense Recognition
In governmental funds, expenditures are recognized when the liability is incurred, except for debt service and compensated absences, which are recognized when due.
In proprietary funds, expenses are recognized using the accrual basis, including depreciation of capital assets.
Capital Assets
Capital assets include land, buildings, improvements, vehicles, machinery, and infrastructure. Assets with a value of $5,000 or more and a useful life greater than one year are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (typically 3 to 50 years).
Long-Term Liabilities
The City records long-term liabilities in accordance with GASB standards. These include general obligation bonds, lease liabilities, pension and OPEB obligations, and compensated absences. Governmental fund liabilities are reported in the government-wide statements; proprietary fund liabilities are reported in both the fund and citywide statements.
Table of ContentsFinancial Policies
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Interfund Transactions
Transactions between City funds may include transfers, loans, or reimbursements. Reimbursements are recorded as reductions of expenditures in the paying fund and as expenditures in the receiving fund. Operating transfers are recorded as other nancing sources or uses.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of nancial data requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Fund Balance Classi cation and Reserve Policy
In accordance with GASB Statement No. 54, fund balances for governmental funds are classi ed into the following categories:
Nonspendable: Amounts not in spendable form (e.g., inventory, prepaid items).
Restricted: Amounts constrained by external parties or enabling legislation.
Committed: Amounts formally set aside by City Council action for a speci c purpose.
Assigned: Amounts intended to be used for speci c purposes, but not formally committed.
Unassigned: Residual amounts available for any purpose in the General Fund.
Table of ContentsFinancial Policies
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Demographics
Population
TOTAL POPULATION
98,646
0.26%
vs. 2022
GROWTH RANK
126 out of 503 Municipalities in California
* Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year Data and the 2020, 2010, 2000, and 1990 Decennial Censuses
DAYTIME POPULATION
90,266
Daytime population represents the effect of persons coming into or leaving a community for work, entertainment, shopping, etc. during the typical workday. An increased daytime population puts greater demand on host community services which directly impacts operational costs. * Data Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 60k
70k
80k
90k
100k
110k
Table of ContentsDemographics
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POPULATION BY AGE GROUP
Aging affects the needs and lifestyle choices of residents. Municipalities must adjust and plan services accordingly. * Data Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates 6K6K6K 6K6K6K 7K7K7K 7K7K7K 7K7K7K
15K15K15K 15K15K15K
13K13K13K
5K5K5K
4K4K4K
7K7K7K
3K3K3K
1K1K1K
<5 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-3435-4445-54 55-5960-64 65-7475-84 >85 0 5K
10K
15K
20K
Table of ContentsDemographics
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Household
TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS
31,321
Municipalities must consider the dynamics of household types to plan for and provide services effectively. Household type also has a general correlation to income levels which affect the municipal tax base. 2%
higher than state average
-18%
lower than state average
-21%
lower than state average
* Data Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates Family Households
49%
Married Couples
50%
Singles
19%
Senior Living Alone
10%
Table of ContentsDemographics
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Economic
Household income is a key data point in evaluating a community’s wealth and spending power. Pay levels and earnings typically vary by geographic regions and should be looked at in context of the overall cost of living.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Above $200,000
15%
-21.27%
lower than state average
Median income