The Grover Beach City Council held a public hearing on June 12 to review and approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-25 Proposed Budget and FY 2023-28 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

“The City is dedicated to establishing a stable financial foundation that aligns with our Council Goals,” stated Mayor Karen Bright. “The approved budget shows our commitment to responsible financial management while actively investing in transformative projects and initiatives that will drive positive change throughout our community.”

The City’s $36.2 million budget for FY 2023-24 leverages $18.9 million from the City's General Fund, $5.6 million in Enterprise Funds (including Water and Wastewater Funds) and $1.5 million in Special Revenue Funds. The five-year CIP accounts for $10.2 million in funding for key capital projects next fiscal year. The total proposed budget for FY 2024-25 is $31.7 million with continued investment into CIP projects.

The City’s five primary revenue sources include sales tax, property tax, cannabis tax, transient occupancy tax (TOT) and franchise fee revenue. These General Fund tax revenues are consistent with the City’s five-year financial forecast. As Grover Beach’s revenue sources remain steady and consistent, the City can continue investing in projects and programs that benefit the community. In the approved budget, the City has identified key investments to address community needs and enhance services, including:

• An additional full-time staff position in the Public Works Department and increasing a part time position to full time in the Parks and Recreation Department

• Fleet upgrades, including six new Police patrol vehicles and Public Works trucks to replace outdated vehicles, as well as vehicle storage costs

• New technology equipment for the Police Department, including body cameras and drones

• Health and wellness programs for the Police Department, consistent with their 2023-2026 Strategic Plan

• A state-of-the-art station alerting system for Five Cities Fire Authority (FCFA)

• Organizational development and training initiatives to foster continuous enrichment among staff

The budget also includes a significant increase in FCFA funding to maintain high-quality services for residents. The City continues collaborating with the City of Arroyo Grande and will contract with the Oceano Community Services District while it goes through the divestiture process with the Local Agency Formation Commission to meet the community’s fire and safety service needs. 

The City of Grover Beach takes pride in its dedication to both immediate community needs and prudent fiscal management. To proactively address long-term funding gaps that may arise, the City intends to surpass the Council's reserve goal of 25 percent by the end of the fiscal period. This ensures the City is equipped to respond to emergencies and unforeseen events or needs properly.

“By effectively allocating resources to key City priorities such as infrastructure and public safety, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving and resilient Grover Beach,” said City Manager Matt Bronson. “Not only does this budget make impactful investments that will enhance service delivery and ensure the wellbeing of our residents, it also ensures we can address future needs by maintaining ample reserves.”

The final adoption of the FY 2023-25 Budget is scheduled for June 26.