Camarillo, California – On June 12, 2019, the Camarillo City Council adopted a structurally balanced $179.7 million annual budget for Fiscal Year 2019/20, to provide services and fund projects that are vital for the well-being of Camarillo residents.
“Overall, the City’s financial position remains in excellent condition,” stated City Manager Dave Norman. “The City Council is committed to sound and conservative financial policies that ensure the City’s fiscal sustainability, while Finance Director Genie Rocha and her staff implement best practices to ensure the Council’s fiscal goals are met.”
Here are the highlights of the City’s Recommended Spending Plan:
Public Safety: $18.1 Million. The City will continue to deliver high level law enforcement services through its contract with the County of Ventura Sheriff’s Department, which allows the City to maximize fiscal resources and provide effective police services.
Library Operations: $2.8 Million. The popular Camarillo Public Library consistently experiences growth in the number of patrons, programs and collections offered, and continually strives to enhance library services and improve the customer experience.
Community Service Grants, Community Support, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs: $1 Million. The City Council awarded grants totaling $64,162 to community service organizations for programs or projects that directly enhance the quality of life for the community. In addition, the budget includes $270,150 to continue support of City-sponsored programs and annual community events such as the Holiday Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, Fiesta, Summer Concerts Series, Wings Over Camarillo Air Show, and Senior Meals on Wheels. The CDBG federal funding allocations for FY 2019/20, which support programs for seniors and youth, and housing rehabilitation programs, total $647,936.
Citywide Lighting, Landscape & Street Maintenance: $7.3 Million. The City will continue to maintain streets, lighting, and landscaping to ensure an aesthetically pleasing environment for those that live, work, and play in Camarillo.
Capital Outlay Planned: $82.7 Million. The City plans and pre-funds capital projects over five years, thus ensuring that when a project is scheduled to begin it has the funding available to move forward. Thirty-six projects are included in the FY 2019/24 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which was presented at the April 24, 2019 CIP Study Session. These projects include, but are not limited to the following:
- Transportation Improvements: $7.2 Million. Several projects to improve City streets are planned, including: continuation of the annual pavement maintenance program; Earl Joseph Drive Paving; Springville Bike Path; and, Pleasant Valley Road Southbound Off-Ramp.
- Water Repairs/Improvements: $59.1 Million. Various projects are planned, including: North Pleasant Valley Groundwater Desalter; Recycled Water Electrical Improvements; Advanced Metering Infrastructure; and, Coating for Reservoir No. 3.
- Sewer Improvement Projects: $9.7 Million. Various projects are planned, including: Rehabilitation at Pump Station No. 3; Sewer Improvements per Sewer System Management Plan; Pleasant Valley Road Sewer Forcemain; Plant 3 Blower Improvements- Phase 1; and, Flood Improvements at Waste Water Treatment Plant.
General Fund: $43 Million. The General Fund accounts for the revenues and expenditures related to various general municipal services provided, such as police, public works, community development, library services and City administrative services. The overall General Fund spending plan, which totals $43.0 million, includes transfers out to the Citywide Lighting/Landscape Maintenance Fund ($2,750,000), Transit Fund ($1,287,465), and Library Debt Service Fund ($493,850). General Fund projected fund balance at June 30, 2020, is $57.8 million.
General Fund revenues, including transfers in, are projected at $43.4 million, which equates to a $108,800 increase from FY 2018/19 levels. The City is projecting modest 4.5% growth in Property Tax revenue due primarily to increasing home sale prices. Transient Occupancy Tax increase of 11.1% is attributed to increase in occupancies and the re-opening of one hotel, Fairfield Inn. Sales Tax is decreasing slightly by 1.7% due to additional revenues recognized in FY 2018/19 as a result of payment delays from the State in the prior year. Building Permit revenues are expected to decrease due to a reduced level of development activity compared to recent years.
Enterprise Funds. Revenues and expenditures are consistent with prior year trends.
- Solid Waste Fund budget ($7.3 Million) provides for collection of solid waste, yard waste, composting, and curbside recycling services to 17,864 customers.
- Transit Fund budget ($3.3 Million) provides for operating the City’s transit system, including Fixed Route and Dial-A-Ride services.
- Water Utility Fund budget ($76.2 Million) provides for the City’s water services and associated maintenance to approximately 13,893 customers. This fund is fully self-supporting and derives the majority of its revenue from ratepayers.
- Camarillo Sanitary District is a separate governmental entity that provides sewer services for approximately 14,789 residential and commercial customers within its boundaries, with a budget of $23.3 million.
The Reserve Policy goals for the majority of funds will be met or exceeded in FY 2019/20, providing the City a cushion against short-term reduced revenues, while maintaining effective and efficient municipal services and a high quality of life for the citizens of Camarillo. “Our reserves are projected at appropriate levels,” said Finance Director Rocha.
“We are pleased with the work staff has done to bring us a budget that maintains our streets in excellent condition, provides high quality safety services, and provides funding for community services such as Senior Meals on Wheels. We have a very livable community as a result,” said Mayor Kevin Kildee.
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