On June 4, 2019, a City Council study session outlining the proposed FY 2019-21 biennial budget was conducted.  Additional funding for various enhancements to public safety, economic development, capital improvements, and other essential city services are also included in the proposed budget.   

The proposed FY 2019-21 biennial budget is balanced, where all current, ongoing expenditures are funded by current, ongoing revenues.  The foundation of the budget development is the City Council’s goals and objectives for the upcoming two years, including prioritizing public safety, promoting development, enhancing quality of life, improving community engagement and transparency, and strengthening the City’s financial sustainability.  The proposed budget allocates resources, aligns with goals and priorities, and continues to provide high level of services.

Total operating revenues for FY 2019-20 are estimated at $280.6 million, and total operating expenditures excluding capital improvement projects is $259.5 million.  For FY 2020-21, operating revenues are estimated to be $262.8 million, with total operating expenditures projected at $249.4 million.  Capital improvement program spending is estimated at $27.5 million for FY 2019-20 and $19.9 for FY 2020-21.  Revenues from grant sources are projected to be $8.9 million and $4.9 million for FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 respectively.

For FY 2019-20, a total of 17 new full-time positions and 2 part-time positions are included.  Among the 17 full-time positions, 11 are for sworn police officers, 2 public safety dispatchers, 2 records clerks, 1 community service officer, and 1 water service worker. With the Fire protection service transitioning to Orange County Fire Authority, total authorized full-time positions has a net decrease of 83 comparing to FY 2018-19.

Adoption of the biennial budget Resolutions and reports will provide the funding necessary for vital City services for FY 2019-21.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Conduct a public hearing;

• Adopt the Resolution for basic services, cable services, grant services, water services, capital improvements, special assessments relating to street lighting, Main Street and the Parking District, Tourism Improvement District, and Park Maintenance District Budgets for Fiscal Year 2019-20 and Fiscal Year 2020-21;

• Adopt the Resolution adopting an appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2019-20 implementing Article XIII B of the State Constitution pursuant to Section 7900 et. seq. of the Government Code;
  
  

• Adopt the Resolution appropriating fund balances as of June 30, 2019, to reserves for future year re-appropriation;
  
  

• Adopt the Resolution re-appropriating certain Fiscal Year 2018-19 Project Balances and Encumbrances for the Fiscal Year 2019-20;
  
  

• Jointly adopt the Resolution for the Fiscal Year 2019-20 and Fiscal Year 2020-21 Garden Grove Housing Authority budget;

• Adopt the Water Supply Program Budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20 and Fiscal Year 2020-21;
  
  
• Approve the Overnight Conference and Training List for Fiscal Year 2019-20 and Fiscal Year 2020-21; and

• Approve a Classification Specification for the creation of the Emergency Operations Coordinator classification.

By:  Ann Eifert, Budget Manager