Santa Rosa council adopts $576M budget, eliminates 27 positions and leans on reserves

The Santa Rosa City Council voted unanimously to adopt a $575.9 million budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, eliminating 27 positions and tapping reserves to close an operating shortfall while it puts off deeper service cuts.

The plan counts on nearly $9.9 million in cost-cutting, including pension reform, eliminating vacant and previously grant-funded positions, consolidating departments and charging new fees, according to the city. Even with those moves, a $7.6 million gap remains, which the city will cover with reserve funds to keep services running.