At its meeting on May 8, the Grover Beach City Council received an update on the fiscal year (FY) 2023-25 budget process and proposed work programs for the Major City Goals. The City will be holding a public hearing on June 12 to review the proposed budget for the next two years and receive direction from City Council on any adjustments.

“The budget process allows us to assess the City’s financial capabilities and determine a course of action that is most suitable for our community,” said Grover Beach Mayor Karen Bright. “I appreciate staff’s hard work in developing a balanced budget and creating a comprehensive roadmap to make strides toward our Council Goals.”

The City’s Mid-Year Financial Review for FY 2022-23 indicated that Grover Beach is in a strong financial position with ample reserves. The forecast also accounted for financial uncertainties that may arise, including general economic impacts. The proposed budget for FY 2023-24 will be balanced with revenues of $18.5 million and expenditures of $18.1 million along with continued prudent level of reserves. The City’s tax revenues, such as sales tax and property tax, are anticipated to remain stable or slightly increase over the next year.

The City’s budget intends to address community needs and priorities. Alongside funding from Measure K-14 street bonds and Water and Wastewater Enterprise Funds, the City anticipates investing $1.5 million of General Fund funding annually over the next two years toward the Capital Improvement Program to continue funding highly anticipated projects, including the West Grand Avenue streetscape project, North 4th Street rehabilitation project and the West Grand Avenue improvements from 11th Street to Oak Park Boulevard.

Following the fire services update that was presented to City Council on April 24, the City plans to increase service levels for fire services, which will lead to a higher contribution for the Five Cities Fire Authority. The budget also accounts for additional expenditures for departments, including a new Maintenance Superintendent position in Public Works, replacement of six Police patrol vehicles and three Public Works trucks and additional technology equipment.

To ensure the budget for FY 2023-25 aligns with the Council Goals adopted on March 6, City staff developed work programs to further define each Major City Goal and ensure resources are properly allocated. The Major City Goals include:

• Economic development and community promotion
• Housing and homelessness
• Public safety
• Street maintenance and complete streets

“Council Goals play a critical role in the budget process by determining the Council’s priorities that shape our resource allocations. Creating these work programs allows City staff to clearly identify actionable steps that address our Major City Goals,” said Grover Beach City Manager Matthew Bronson. “We will continue to measure our progress and ensure these programs align with the community’s needs.”

City Council will review the proposed FY 2023-2025 Budget during the regular Council meeting on June 12. Meeting materials will be made available on the City’s website.