The City of Novato held a Community Budget Workshop on March 28, 2024, to present and discuss the fiscal year 2024-25 budget with community members both in-person and virtually. Key topics included the city's structural fiscal challenges, primarily its reliance on property and sales taxes, which together constitute nearly 75% of general fund revenue. The city highlighted its low property tax rate compared to neighboring cities and the limited local control over revenue streams. The workshop detailed ongoing operational deficits, the use of one-time funds such as federal American Rescue Plan monies, and the need for sustainable revenue sources, including exploring a potential sales tax increase. The presentation also covered personnel costs, service priorities, and the capital improvement program, emphasizing infrastructure projects like street rehabilitation, park upgrades, and bridge rehabilitation funded through a mix of grants, gas taxes, and general funds. Community input was encouraged throughout the budget development process, with multiple opportunities for engagement planned in the coming months.

Community Budget Workshop: March 28, 2024