Budget Hearings to Begin Monday

The public hearing on the recommended operating budget for Fiscal Year 2024 is scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m. on May 8. 

This year the City Council will consider a $1.2 billion budget, up from last year’s $955 million spending plan. The increase is largely due to Measure R funds.

“The Recommended Budget represents the City’s financial plan for FY 2024 and furthers the City’s mission to deliver exemplary municipal services responsive to our entire community and consistent with the City’s history, culture, and unique character, according to a City staff report,” the transmittal letter with the budget said.

“In addition to the City’s anticipated operating revenues and expenses, the Recommended Budget includes the appropriations for the FY 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the Rose Bowl Operating Company, Pasadena Center Operating Company, and Pasadena Community Access Corporation.

According to the city’s charter Section 902, requires that on or before the third Monday in May the City Manager shall submit to the City Council an annual operating budget for the succeeding fiscal year,” according to a city staff report.

Pasadena’s budget process involves input from citizens, public officials, non-profit and governmental entities, neighborhood associations, business, and city staff to plan for Pasadena’s future. 

City departments analyze their expenditures, revenue collection, and performance results to determine the budgetary needs, and they also consider relevant commission annual reports to assess how departmental work plans will support those of the commissions. 

The Budget Office reviews and analyzes historic performance, current year budget-to-actual expenditures, and various policy decisions to develop a 5-year forecast of the City’s financial picture. Departments and affiliated agencies submit their budget requests in late winter, and after a series of rigorous discussions, budget proposals are prioritized, refined, compiled, and integrated into the Recommended Operating Budget that is presented to the City Council no later than the third Monday in May. 

The City Council then reviews the recommended budget for each City department and affiliated agency and allows for public input before adopting the annual fiscal year budget no later than the 30th of June.