Santa Rosa city leaders have unveiled a survival plan to close a projected $17.5 million budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year.
According to the Press Democrat, the proposal avoids immediate “drastic” service cuts by eliminating vacant positions, restructuring pension debt, and tapping into emergency reserves. However, the plan results in a net loss of 28 positions, including significant funding cuts for the inRESPONSE crisis team.
Interim City Manager Lori Ann Farrell warned that the city is at the “end of the runway,” with deep cuts to police and fire staffing looming next year if new revenue isn’t found. To stabilize the long-term outlook, the City Council is expected to discuss a potential one-cent sales tax measure for the November ballot.
Residents can review the full draft budget on June 2nd, ahead of a final vote later that month.