Rocklin City Council reviews $102-million '22-23 budget

Rocklin City Council began 2022-23 fiscal hearings on May 26 as staff presented a $102-million proposed budget. The total draft expenditure budget of $102-million supports approximately 260 full-time equivalent positions, according to the report. That includes $61.6-million for General Fund operations and capital projects, and $40.4-million for other funds. After deliberations, Rocklin City Council is scheduled to adopt the final budget at the regular June 28 council meeting, officials said. Rocklin tax Expected 2022-23 Rocklin property tax revenue is estimated at $22.2-million, a seven-percent increase from the Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget, staff said. Property taxes are the largest component of General Fund revenues at 40 percent. "Property tax has risen steadily since a recession low of $10.8 million in Fiscal Year 2011/12. This is due to a combination of rising home values and new home construction," the report stated. The 2022-23 sales tax budget is $20.2 million, a 14-percent increase from the Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget, officials said. Sales tax is the second largest source of General Fund revenue at 37 percent of the budget, staff said. "Sales tax has risen steadily since a recession low of $5.7 million, as many Rocklin businesses experienced sales growth, as well as higher online purchases," the report stated. The budget includes roughly $21-million toward the Rocklin Police Department, an increase of $870,000 from last year, staff said. That includes two new officer positions and a squad car, according to the report. Capital improvement projects Staff also targeted $12.5-million for various capital improvement projects across the city. The money will fund 26 identified projects, as well as 17 fleet vehicles and two equipment purchases, the report stated. Previously-approved capital improvement projects include: * Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Program - United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) specific areas* ADA Transition Program- Non-HUD areas* Aguilar Road Improvements Annual Road Maintenance Program* City Hall Office Space Study and Remodel* Granite Drive median* Mission Hills reconstruction* Monument Springs Bridge* Pacific Street Roundabout* Pavement rehabilitation* Police Department HVAC and roof replacement* Reserve apparatus storage* Rocklin Road/Sierra College Corridor multimodal enhancements* Sierra College Boulevard widening (Schriber to Dominguez)* Stormwater pipe replacement program. Eleven new projects in the five-year plan are: * Bike pump track* Fire Station 24 security* Fire Station 25 privacy* Fire Station 25 security* Fire Training Room/Department operation* Center Mountaingate reconstruction* Park Play structure replacements* Sunset Boulevard Roadway Connection to Sunset Whitney Trail* Sunset Whitney Recreation Area east trails* Sunset Whitney Recreation Area improvements* Sunset Whitney Recreation Area restrooms. Inflation and rising costs have staff concerned over an expected budget deficit in five years. "Fiscal Years 2022/23 through 2025/26 are balanced. However, the growth in expenditures is anticipated to outpace revenues beginning in Fiscal Year 2026/27," the report said. In addition, staff said that insurance premiums continue to increase. The 2022/23 insurance premium and worker's compensation budgets are $2.9-million, an increase of $423,800 from the prior fiscal year. "The city's strongest assets are its residents, and citizen input and participation set Rocklin apart. We are proud of Rocklin's rich heritage and excited about its future. Thanks to residents, businesses and community leaders working together, we can ensure a bright future," the report concluded.