Additional police, fire, parks staffing funded as well as plans for Castle Park and other needs
After much review and deliberation, the Folsom City Council voted 3-1 Tuesday night to greenlight the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, slated to commence on July 1.
While the budget for the year to come has countless elements, the highlights that have been of concern for members of the community have included staffing for the Folsom Police Department as well as maintaining a reasonable level of park maintenance, which was facing deep cuts.
At the conclusion of Tuesday’s meeting council members found a way to serve both needs in fiscally challenging times. The 3-1 vote came with one opposition and and absence by Mayor Mike Kozlowski.
Police, fire and parks staffing
The budget includes funding for several new positions across different departments.
Notably, the Police Department will add one Police Sergeant, one Police Corporal, and four Police Officers.
One new position will be funded in the new budget, the other three will be funded by salary savings where the police department has averaged more than $715,000 in salary savings each of the past five years due to vacancies and retirements.
Additionally, the Parks and Public Works departments will see addition to staff with one Park Planner, one Park Maintenance Worker, and two Street Maintenance Workers.
Furthermore, a new Fire Division Chief role will oversee training efforts.
Utilization of Reserve Funds
City officials disclosed that the current fiscal year is expected to conclude with reserves at 20.9% of General Fund expenditures.
Consequently, a portion of these reserves, totaling $800,000, will be allocated for the renovation of Kids Play Park, also known as Castle Park. The funds will be used entirely, or a portion thereof, as fundraising efforts are already underway by local citizens, many of which helped build the park originally to fill the gap needed to properly rebuild the iconic park to code. Should the fundraising efforts be even more successful than predicted, the city’s allocated investment can be reduced according
Additional one-time expenditures from reserves include the replacement of kitchen equipment, tables, and chairs at the Folsom Community Center; upgrades to malfunctioning doors and the lighting control system at the library; and the replacement of the city’s primary data storage system.
Park Maintenance Concerns: Despite the budget’s approval, concerns linger regarding adequate funding for park and trail maintenance.
The council addressed these issues by approving $300,000 in one-time funds to maintain current service levels for the upcoming year. This temporary measure aims to mitigate recent cutbacks in landscaping services, ensuring parks and landscaped areas receive necessary upkeep.
Park Improvement Funding
Acknowledging legal constraints imposed by state law, the council highlighted the Park Improvement Fund, financed exclusively by development impact fees. These fees, earmarked for enhancing community parks, are allocated strictly according to the locality where the fees were collected. Projects slated for funding under this program include the construction of Benevento Family Park in Empire Ranch, scheduled to break ground next year, a community garden at McFarland Park in Empire Ranch, and final enhancements to Bud & Artie Davies Park in American River Canyon North.
In light of these allocations and initiatives, the council emphasized its commitment to balancing immediate operational needs with long-term community development goals. The approved budget reflects ongoing efforts to bolster public safety, enhance recreational facilities, and navigate fiscal responsibilities amidst evolving municipal challenges.
The total in the city manager’s original proposed budget, including all funds for fiscal year 2024-25 stood at 247,216,308.
Throughout Tuesday’s discussion, city council members continually praised city staff for the many countless hours that were spent creating the proposed budget in a time where the city faces fiscal challenges ahead.
Those wishing to view the entire meeting from Tuesday as it was broadcast of visit the full agenda and presentations can do so on the city’s website HERE
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