Development News for Vacaville, California

Resident Urges Rejection of Sales Tax Increase, Inquires About Weed Abatement

During public comment, resident Brandon Cherry urged the council to reject a proposed 1% sales tax increase, stating it was not on the agenda for discussion at this time but was related to the budget discussions. He was informed that the sales tax item would be properly noticed and discussed at a future meeting. Cherry also inquired about weed abatement policies, specifically if assistance is reserved for residents unable to afford it.

Residents Question Financial Forecast Assumptions, Park Funding, and Tax Policies

During public comment, resident Wendy Breen questioned the economic assumptions used in the five-year financial forecast, particularly regarding sales tax and Measure M revenues, which have exceeded projections. She suggested that a strong economy could help offset the projected deficit and questioned the planned decrease in the general fund reserve. Breen also inquired about the Lagoon Valley revenues and the rationale behind the reserve policy's decrease over time. Another resident, Helicia Minion, asked about the possibility of surveying homeowners in lighting and landscaping districts to increase assessments, inquired about large taxpayers appealing taxes (similar to Genentech), questioned the 'appetite' for a park measure versus a sales tax measure, and raised concerns about a frozen paramedic tax from 1976. Staff responded that revenue assumptions are based on consultant data and historical trends, and the reserve policy is being followed, though its decrease over time reflects deficit spending. They also noted that a citywide assessment for parks did not poll well historically. Regarding the paramedic tax, staff stated they have not legally explored options to 'unfreeze' it. Utilities Director addressed weed abatement, explaining it's required for utilities properties, including the new Lagoon Valley Reservoir, to protect infrastructure.

City Council Approves Renaming Community Services to Parks and Recreation Department

The City Council introduced and passed the first reading of an ordinance to update the Vacaville Municipal Code, specifically renaming the 'Community Services Department' to the 'Parks and Recreation Department' to reflect the current organizational structure. This change involves updating various code chapters and sections that still refer to the old department name. The Parks and Recreation Department was previously combined with Housing and Community Programs, then re-separated, and its name changed back from Community Services in 2019. The ordinance also clarifies references to the 'Community Enrichment' services. The council also addressed public questions regarding park maintenance, assessment districts, and contractor versus city staff roles in maintaining parks. The city manager confirmed that a citywide assessment district was not pursued due to a lack of resident appetite, and park maintenance is handled by city staff, with contractors hired for setback landscaping. The discussion also touched upon the need to address potential future park funding mechanisms.

City Council Reviews Q3 Budget, Addresses $11M Projected Deficit for Upcoming Fiscal Year

The City Council reviewed the third-quarter budget update for the current fiscal year (2025-2026) and initiated the first budget study session for the upcoming fiscal year (2026-2027). The third-quarter update indicated that overall revenues are projected to be $6 million higher than initially budgeted, largely due to an increase in property taxes. Despite this, the city is projecting a general fund deficit of $5.7 million for the current fiscal year, which would leave the general fund reserve at $43 million or 28%, above the policy target of 16-25%. For the upcoming fiscal year (2026-2027), a projected deficit of $11 million is anticipated, which would bring the reserve down to 20% by the end of that fiscal year, with a further projected decrease to 13% by the end of fiscal year 2028 if no changes are made. Cost-saving measures implemented include a 2.5% departmental budget reduction, freezing positions, pausing Measure M pilot programs, and reducing funding for capital improvement programs. The city is also considering a potential 1% sales tax increase in future discussions. Two resolutions were presented for consideration: one approving a $132,718 augmentation for closed-session settlement items and another authorizing the Director of Human Resources to negotiate a side letter agreement with the Vacaville Managers Association.