City council took a look at Saratoga’s proposed $30.6 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year at its May 15 meeting, but councilmembers gave no feedback to staff.
Ryan Hinchman, administrative services director for the city, said the budget for the current and upcoming fiscal years are both on track to be balanced. Key requests in the 2024-25 budget include $150,000 for the eventual implementation of the city’s housing element, which the city submitted to the state for approval in March, and $180,000 to improve the maintenance and management of the city’s trees.
Hinchman noted that the budget also includes rising insurance premiums. From 2021 to 2025, premiums have nearly tripled, he said.
“We’re seeing a lot of insurance providers exit the market, which makes it difficult to get competitive costing,” Hinchman said. “This is baked into the budget, but just to call to attention, this is an increasing cost outside of the city’s control.”
A public hearing on the 2024-25 budget is set for June 5, and Hinchman said the city council will consider adopting it at its June 19 meeting.
