HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 - Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Work Study Session Finance and Management Services
www.santa-ana.org/finance
Item # 1
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
May 15, 2025
TOPIC: Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Work Study Session
AGENDA TITLE
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Work Study Session
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Discuss and provide direction to staff.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
No
Update on Budget Study Session
The May 6, 2025, City Council meeting included a scheduled Budget Study Session as
part of the agenda. However, due to the length of the meeting and other discussion items,
the budget item was not heard and has been continued to the already scheduled Budget
Study Session on May 15, 2025.
To support the upcoming discussion, the following items are now available at the following
locations:
•Exhibit 1- The draft Budget Document is available at the Budget Office website:
https://www.santa-ana.org/fiscal-year-2025-26-budget/
o The Miscellaneous Fee Summary will be finalized by Monday, May 12.
•Exhibit 2- The Measure X Spending Plan is attached to this Staff Report
DISCUSSION
The City Council provided Early Direction on March 18; staff has since updated the draft
budget based on City Council consensus. This report includes additional information on
some of the funding options identified during the discussion. The City conducted internal
budget meetings with departments from March 24 to April 4 to review supplemental
budget requests and staff priorities. After comparing the requests to City Council priorities
received during Early Direction and community priorities identified during budget
outreach, Finance worked with the City Manager’s Office to build a draft budget for the
City Council's consideration. The City continues to accept budget survey submissions,
although City Council will review feedback received on or before May 11. Staff continues
to conduct community outreach and will present the top community-identified priorities to
the City Council as part of this agenda item.
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At a minimum, the staff presentation is expected to include the following:
•Summary of community outreach and priorities
•Notable additions to the General Fund Budget (one-time and recurring)
•Revenue trends and estimates for significant sources
•Summary of the proposed Cannabis Public Benefit Fund spending plan
•Additional details regarding the potential stadium investment
•Additional look into Miscellaneous Fees
•Update on General Fund reconciliation and discussion of potential budget
balancing measures
The following section provides additional details in response to questions and feedback
received during early direction. As requested, staff has included updated information and
clarifications to support further discussion and potential next steps.
Bristol & Edinger Parking Lot
In response to a follow-up request from Early Direction, the table below provides
additional detail on the scope and estimated costs for the Bristol Parking Lot
Rehabilitation project. The proposed funding amount is $250,000.
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The Bristol & Edinger parking lot is an ideal city-owned location for public event use.
Access to the site will be controlled by cattle gates, fencing, and parking wheel stops.
Staff is proposing to create designated sections within the parking lot that can be rented
based on area usage. The proposed fee structure is based on the updated Plaza Calle
Cuatro model and is labeled as a Special Location Rental Fee. Similar to Plaza Calle
Cuatro, an event’s size determines which Park Facility Permit applies. Facility permit fees
may vary depending on the group type, such as Resident, Non-Resident, Business, or
Non-Profit organizations. The following is an example of what Santa Ana residents would
pay for a three-hour reservation.
Bus Shelter Locations
As requested by the City Council, staff has identified 16 proposed locations for
replacement or new bus shelters. The majority of the Council expressed support for
allocating $250,000 toward this effort. This information is provided to assist in confirming
the locations and finalizing funding as part of the upcoming budget discussion.
Jail Improvements
City Council expressed interest in funding improvements to the Santa Ana Jail,
specifically to enhance the Pay to Stay (PTS) program, and requested additional
information to support funding considerations. The proposed funding amount of $250,000
would support two primary areas:
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1. Facility Improvements (70%): Approximately 70% of the funds would be allocated
toward critical infrastructure repairs, including plumbing, heating systems, and
general living conditions. This investment is essential to improve the physical
environment, support expanded programming, and provide a more functional and
humane setting for participants.
2. Program Outreach and Promotion (30%): The remaining 30% would be dedicated
to ongoing outreach and advertising efforts to promote the Pay-to-Stay program.
This includes targeted campaigns through legal publications, traditional media,
and other outreach strategies designed to continuously raise awareness and
encourage participation among eligible individuals.
The Pay to Stay program offers a valuable alternative for individuals who must serve jail
time but wish to maintain their employment, housing, and family responsibilities. It is
especially beneficial to working-class participants seeking a structured but less disruptive
environment. The program has also demonstrated strong revenue potential. In 2023, it
generated $15,644 in revenue, which increased to $66,162 in 2024, reflecting growing
interest and effectiveness.
Code Blue Emergency Communication System Upgrade
The most recent data for the Code Blue boxes is from year 2022, when 210 emergency
calls were received. Since then, the phone system has been out of service, but it is
reasonably estimated that up to 600 additional calls could have been made to date.
Despite the phone outage, the cameras have remained fully operational and have
supported multiple arrests, including two for homicide, one for a shooting, one for robbery,
and one for assault with a deadly weapon.
Code Blue Boxes
Calls in
2022
Code Blue 1 3rd/ Ross 37
Code Blue 2 2nd/ Broadway 39
Code Blue 3 4th/ Spurgeon 0
Code Blue 4 4th/ Main 53
Code Blue 5 3rd/ Birch 25
Code Blue 6 4th/ Birch 0
Code Blue 7 5th/ Broadway 10
Code Blue 8 Ross Annex/ Plaza of the Sun 0
Code Blue 9 Hall of Admin (Bldg 10)7
Code Blue 10 Madison Park 39
Total 210
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Modern Conference Space at the Senior Center on Third & Ross
As requested, the following provides details on proposed usage hours and potential
improvements:
•Proposed Event Hours of Availability
o Monday-Friday: 6PM – 11PM
o Saturday-Sunday: 8AM– 11PM
These proposed hours would not interfere with existing senior center programming, which
operates:
•Monday–Friday: 8AM – 5PM
To enhance the space’s functionality and make it more appealing for broader community
use, staff identified a list of small investments that can be made in the near term. A
breakdown of these recommended items is shown below.
If the Santa Ana Senior Center were to host 25 five-hour events annually, the projected
revenue would be based on the renter type, as shown in the table below.
Additionally, if the City were to pursue a full expansion of the space to double its capacity
from 125 to 250 occupants, the estimated construction cost would be approximately $3.5
to $4 million (subject to further design and cost analysis). Staff is not presently
recommending this option because the return on investment is not sufficient to warrant
the time and resources required.
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Next Steps
•In addition, City Council is also scheduled to consider the proposed FY 2025-26
budget on May 20 to provide further direction to staff on follow-up items from the
May 15 Budget Work Study session.
•On June 3, the City Council is scheduled to conduct the Budget Public Hearing
and consider the first reading of an ordinance to adopt the budget for FY 2025-26,
which begins on July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026.
•The second reading and adoption of the FY 2025-26 Budget Ordinance is
scheduled for June 17.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact at this time.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Draft Budget Document - https://www.santa-ana.org/fiscal-year-2025-26-budget/
2. Measure X Spending Plan
Submitted By: Alex Trinidad, Acting Executive Director of Finance and Management
Services Agency
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager
Exhibit 2
City of Santa Ana Measure X
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2026
Recurring costs
identified in
Prior Fiscal Years
8,100,000
1,200,000
500,000
Recurring costs
identified in
FY25‐26
One‐time costs
identified in
FY25‐26
Department
Responsible
Total plan
spendingCategoryDescription
Addressing Homelessness
Addressing Homelessness
Addressing Homelessness
Addressing Homelessness
Addressing Homelessness
Addressing Homelessness
Addressing Homelessness
Fixing Streets
Public Safety Response ‐ Homelessness (Labor)
Public Safety Response ‐ Homelessness (Contractual and Other)
QOLT Clean‐Up Contract Homeless Services
Homeless Outreach & Engagement
Navigation Center Maintenance
QOLT Clean‐Up Staffing (2 Maint Workers II + Sanitation Inspect II)
Code Enforcement Officers (2)
Streetlight Pole work ‐ Under lit Areas
Alley improvement program
PD
PD
8,100,000
1,200,000
500,000
574,880
75,000
PWA
CDA
CDA
PWA
PBA
PWA
PWA
PWA
PWA
PWA
PWA
PWA
PWA
574,880
75,000
666,390
323,109
1,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
2,000,000
350,000
666,390
323,109
1,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
2,000,000
350,000
Fixing Streets
Fixing Streets
Fixing Streets
Fixing Streets
Fixing Streets
Fixing Streets
Fixing Streets
Sidewalk and/or Street Repair
Traffic Calming
Pavement Maintenance
Median Landscaping
Maintain Asphalt Pothole Repair Services
Business Area Road Improvements
100,000 100,000
1,500,000‐1,500,000
Funding for additional police officers, traffic collision investigators;
office assistants to relieve police officers stand‐by pay, cash‐outs and
related benefits
Maintain Effective 9‐1‐1 Response
Maintain Effective 9‐1‐1 Response
Maintain Effective 9‐1‐1 Response
PD
PD
PD
5,184,590
2,870,170
5,184,590
2,870,170Police Department Overtime
Public Safety Specialized Units: Criminal Investigations; Gang
prevention and suppression; Communications; Enforcement; and
Investigations and Support Service
2,024,905
2,273,210
103,000
4,802,860
1,667,000
1,999,540
20,075
14,685,500
526,965
779,970
220,000
559,610
‐
2,024,905
3,173,210
103,000
4,802,860
1,667,000
1,999,540
20,075
14,685,500
526,965
779,970
220,000
559,610
235,320
100,000
213,770
59,055,864
Maintain Effective 9‐1‐1 Response
Maintain Effective 9‐1‐1 Response
Maintaining Parks
Maintaining Parks
Maintaining Parks
Maintaining Parks
Retaining Firefighters
Youth Services
Youth Services
Youth Services
Ambulance Service Contract increase to maintain service level
Human Resources Technician dedicated to Police Recruiting
Park Maintenance and Repairs / Master Plan
Armed Security for Parks
Park Facilities ‐ Personnel
Park Ambassador
Orange County Fire contract increase to maintain service level
Zoo and Recreation Personnel
Zoo Contract & Supply Enhancements
Crossing Guard
Librarians and administrative Support (Personnel)
Library Equipment & Expenses for Brach Reopening
Youth Employment Program
FMSA
HR
PRCSA/PWA
PRCSA/PWA
PWA
PRCSA
FMSA
PRCSA
PRCSA
PWA
900,000
‐
Youth Services
Youth Services
Youth Services
Youth Services
Library
Library
CDA
235,320
100,000
213,770
56,420,544
Sports & Rec Equipment Lending + Additional Programming PRCSA
Subtotal Before Unrestricted Purposes 900,000 1,735,320
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
FY18‐19 Budget Deficit ‐ Planned Use of General Fund Reserve
FY18‐19 Budget Deficit ‐ Planned Staff Savings not implemented
FMSA
FMSA
10,200,000
1,500,000
10,200,000
1,500,000
City of Santa Ana Measure X
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2026
Recurring costs
identified in
Prior Fiscal Years
800,000
Recurring costs
identified in
FY25‐26
One‐time costs
identified in
FY25‐26
Department
Responsible
Total plan
spendingCategoryDescription
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose New Debt Payments for Purchase of Streetlights PWA
PWA
800,000
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Street Tree Maintenance (Tree‐Trimming)
Universal Legal Defense Fund for Dreamers & Parents
Public Meeting Software & ADA Captioning
Sales Tax Rebate ‐ Volvo & Tac Energy
678,330
300,000
90,000
678,330
300,000
90,000
CMO
COTC
CDA 635,000 90,000 725,000
PWAUnrestricted General Revenue Purpose Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center Subsidy and Maintenance 1,100,000 1,100,000
FMSAUnrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Support for Utility Billing, Business Retention and HR ‐ Administrative
Principal HR Analyst
Permit Service Technician‐ PBA salaries
Engineering Salaries for review of Plan Checks and Permits
Vietnamese Community Liaison
Part‐Time staff salaries
1,439,923
75,100
125,624
550,000
150,000
85,120
136,400
297,580
150,000
215,300
331,160
100,000
‐
1,439,923
75,100
125,624
550,000
150,000
85,120
136,400
297,580
150,000
215,300
331,160
100,000
150,000
520,000
129,140
HR
PBA
PWA
CMO
CMO
CMO
CAO
PWA
COTC
PRCSA
CDA
Executive Assistance
(1) Full‐time staff attorney position
Protected Bike Lane sweeping program
Support for City Clerk
Increase the City Events budget
Graffiti Arts Program
Funding for Art Walk
Arts & Culture Event Sponsorship Program / Arts Funding
Economic Dev. Spec. I
CDA
CDA
CDA
150,000
200,000320,000
129,140
CMOUnrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Unrestricted General Revenue Purpose
Subtotal Unrestricted Purposes
City Council, Contract Vendor Personnel Services
PWA Graffiti Abatement Service Enhancement (Graffiti Removal)
Zoning Code Updates
Fleet Operating Support ‐ Operating supplies
Bristol Parking Lot Improvemens
Backflow Prevention Devices (Cross‐Connection Control Program)
Fire Station Facilities Master Plan
Bus Shelters
420,000
921,000
‐
420,000
921,000
200,000
36,910
250,000
500,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
2,000,000
24,926,587
PWA
PBA
PWA
PWA
PWA
PWA
PWA
PWA
Multiple
200,000
36,910
250,000
500,000
250,000
250,000
Bus Shelter Maintenance
Future Pension Stabilization (115 Trust)
250,000
‐
21,036,587
2,000,000
3,540,000350,000
Totals $77,457,130 $1,250,000 $5,275,320 $83,982,450