The Rocklin City Council adopted a balanced Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget on Tuesday, June 22, with $78,399,200 for operations and $13,540,900 for capital expenditures. Read the full budget here, or view the Budget at a Glance handout.

The City of Rocklin remains fiscally sound due to prudent and conservative planning by the City Council.  The revenue outlook is generally positive, with anticipated increases in property tax revenues and a steady increase in sales tax.  However, the City is experiencing increased operational costs, and a gradual slowing of residential development.  At present, commercial development remains stable.

Financial Outlook

General Fund revenue projections for FY 2021/22 include a 5% increase in property taxes for a total of $20.7 million, and a 19.8% increase in sales tax, for a total of $17.7 million.  The increases are due to significantly decreased revenue estimates in FY 2020/21 due to the pandemic. Based on actuals over the course of the year, the City is projecting an increase to most revenue categories.

Consistent with City Council direction, long-term fiscal sustainability is reflected in this budget.  By year end, General Fund operating reserves will be approximately $13.2 million; reserved funds for self-insured losses and disaster contingency will be $2 million and $1 million, respectively, with an unreserved fund balance of approximately $12.9 million.   

Major Projects

Some of the significant planned projects and/or expenditures in FY 2021/22 include:

• The SWRA East Trails Phase I restoration will repair and open 0.75 miles of walkway on the property. The project is anticipated to cost $472,500. $428,000 will be paid through state grants and $44,500 from the City’s Park Development Fees.
• A payment of $535,600 will be made towards the purchase of the Sunset Whitney Recreation Area, funded from Park Development Fees ($217,900), Community Park Fees ($68,100) and Oak Tree Mitigation ($249,600). The remaining debt on the purchase of this property is $1,031,942.90.
• The City will replace the existing four-way stop at the Rocklin Road at Pacific Street intersection with a two-lane roundabout, improving traffic operations and safety.  The cost of construction in FY 2021/22 is estimated at $3,950,000, to be paid from congestion mitigation, and air quality (CMAQ) funds administered by the state.
• The City Clerk’s Office and Information Technology Division will undertake an upgrade to the City’s Document Management and Agenda Management systems
• The Fire Department will establish a Fire Prevention Bureau, to provide needed inspection, prevention and investigation services, adding another layer of protection for our community. 
• A previously frozen Police Lieutenant position is also being reinstated to the Police Department’s Professional Standards Unit (PSU). The PSU is responsible for internal affairs, recruitment, and training of officers.

Conclusion

The City just completed a challenging and extraordinary fiscal year, exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Yet despite the emergency, the City has persevered and continued to provide robust and quality services. 

The City approaches this next year with limited fiscal resources and staffing and it is more important than ever to be nimble and continue to seek opportunities through community partnerships, explore changes in service delivery, and work together to handle unexpected challenges.

Leadership is striving to enhance the City’s fiscal sustainability, to provide innovative adaptations and adjustments to programs and services, and deliver those programs and services in a manner that respects and values residents.