The Civic Minute: what’s happening at Citrus Heights City Hall?

Sentinel staff report–
Citrus Heights City Council members will meet Thursday evening to consider changes to several fees, as well as vote on mid-year amendments to the city’s budget and a contract with CalPERS.

The council’s Feb. 22 meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at City Hall, located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. A summary of what’s on the 256-page agenda is included below.

Quarterly Treasurer’s Report. This item involves receipt and filing of the Treasurer’s Report for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2023. The report shows an increase in the market value of the city’s cash and investments at just over $52 million, with significant deposits coming from sales tax, CalTrans grant reimbursements, and Measure A revenues.

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The council will receive and file reports for the past fiscal year, ending June 30, 2023, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The report shows a $130,000 increase in sales tax revenue and an $825,000 increase in State Vehicle “In-Lieu” tax monies, along with property tax revenue of around $7 million received for the first time, after the expiration of a 25-year revenue neutrality agreement with the county.

Housing Funds. A resolution will be presented to authorize the application for and receipt of state Prohousing Incentive Program funds, with state guidelines showing the city is eligible for $960,000 in funding. Funds, if awarded, would go toward housing and related programs, including planned development on Sayonara Drive, according to a staff report.

Master User Fee Changes. Proposed amendments to the city’s Master Fee Schedule will be discussed, including adding a Rental Housing Inspection Program late fee, a lifetime licensing option for dogs, a $5,000 State Housing Incentive Project Deposit for new housing applications affiliated with state housing incentives, and an expansion of the city’s returned check fee to include various forms of payment.

Budget Update. The City Council will consider adopting amendments to its current fiscal year budget, based on a mid-year financial review and forecast updates. A staff report shows anticipated general fund revenues increasing by about $710,000 and net expenditures increasing by about $128,000. Sales tax revenue is projected to drop by about $510,000, while property tax revenue is projected to slightly increase and interest earnings from the city’s reserves are also projected to rise.

CalPERS contract. An ordinance will be proposed to amend the city’s contract with CalPERS, impacting pension plans and obligations, with an additional one percent contribution by certain employees. A staff report says the fiscal impact will be a reduction to the city’s benefits expense account.

Those wishing to make a public comment during the meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Feb. 22, 2024, at City Hall, or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting. See full agenda packet online: click here.