Emphasis is on Longstanding Community Priorities

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - This month, the Yuba City City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive budget of just over $106 million for the 2021–22 fiscal year—marking a tidal shift from the pandemic-induced deficit and tone of uncertainty that foreshadowed the 2020-21 budget to one [SM1] with optimism for the year to come.

Designed under the City’s longstanding strategic priorities to be a safe place to live, work, play, and do business, the 2021–22 budget projects general fund revenue and expenditure increases over the prior year, furthers fiscal solvency and commits to significant capital improvements.

“With short- and long-term planning, the City’s lasting dedication to fiscal stability is reflected in how we are emerging from the significant challenges created by COVID-19,” said Mayor Marc Boomgaarden. “This budget for next year continues our diligent efforts to provide for our City and our vision looking forward as we continue to support and uplift our community.”

The FY2021-22 budget anticipates general fund revenue increases over the prior year by nearly $5.5 million, made possible by strong sales and property tax receipts. It also projects a general fund expenditure increase of nearly $3.6 million.

“We are all encouraged to see our budget begin to recover from the challenges of the last year and to reflect great promise for the future of Yuba City,” said City Manager Dave Vaughn. “Not only is it structurally balanced, but it demonstrates investments in the areas we and our citizens care most deeply about.”

Public safety remains the City’s utmost priority, with 62 percent of the budget dedicated to law enforcement and fire protection. The budget includes the creation of six permanent firefighter positions that were previously grant-funded and limited in term, while also creating an additional homeless liaison officer within police field operations.

Public Works represents the next most significant portion of the City’s budget allocations. As the City continues to grow and age, its leadership is committed to investing in all aspects of infrastructure, from roadways to parks to water and wastewater provision. Projects include improvements and rehabilitation of many miles of surface streets, widening of Bridge Street, construction of Harter Park, closing the Sutter Bike Path Gap to Tharp Road, a second groundwater well at the Water Treatment Plant, a water transmission line to Barry School, and a sewer trunk connection from Harter Parkway to Bridge Street.

Additionally, the City Council has directed staff to program current and prior year savings to fund $1.9 million in general fund capital improvement projects including fire station repairs and renovation, lighting replacement at Blackburn-Talley Field, and facility and grounds improvements.

In recognition of the importance of economic development to the City, the FY2020–21 budget also adds a business liaison position to the Development Services Department to assist developers with new projects by creating a single point of contact.

“The 2021–22 budget represents the best the City has to offer and much-needed hope for our employees and community that the greatest of our challenges are now behind us,” Vaughn said. “All of the City’s departments are to be commended for submitting budgets that were fiscally responsible and well-contemplated. Serving the City, our citizens, businesses, and visitors, together they ensure our collective safety and well-being—not just today, but for years to come.”