San Anselmo forecasts balanced budget

San Anselmo officials are projecting a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Town Council voted unanimously at its meeting on June 11 to approve amendments to the 2023-24 budget. Council members signaled their endorsement of the 2024-25 budget and a five-year capital improvement plan, which they plan to vote on during their meeting on June 25.

The town is estimating a $21.9 million budget, said Jeff Zuba, the town’s finance and administrative services director.

The town is estimating a 5% rise in revenues, mostly due to increases in property taxes, Zuba said. The town also projects a 5% increase in expenditures because of compensation increases, increases in public safety contributions and the general plan update, among other reasons.

The town is estimating a beginning general fund balance of $7.6 million for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1.

The town plans to avoid a deficit in the coming year under the current projections, Zuba said.

“The five-year forecast is structurally balanced,” he said.

In the next fiscal year, property tax revenues are expected to increase by approximately $379,548, or 2.2%, compared to the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Overall, revenues are expected to increase by $537,788.

The total increase in expenditures and transfers out is $242,753 compared to the 2023-2024 revised budget. The town is facing increases in its contributions to the Central Marin Police Authority and the Ross Valley Fire Department, and scheduled salary increases.

Sean Condry, the public works director, made a presentation to the Town Council about the five-year capital improvement plan. The plan is estimated at about $40 million with more than 90 projects and programs, Condry said.

Condry said the plan is “instrumental in providing a road map” for developments in roads, buildings, bridges and parks. The plan is supported by various funds, grants and state and federal money.

“The town is in a great place,” Condry said. “We have to make sure we are pacing ourselves.”