Sacramento Plans $1.65 Billion Budget Amid $62.2 Million Deficit

Sacramento is facing a significant budget deficit, with a proposed $1.65 billion budget aimed at addressing a shortfall ranging from $44 million to $62.2 million. The city plans to balance the budget through a mix of ongoing and one-time solutions, including eliminating approximately 12 filled positions and up to 70 vacant ones, impacting primarily the fire and police departments. While layoffs are proposed for the first time since 2013, city leaders stress efforts to reassign affected employees and minimize negative impacts on essential services. The police department will see reductions mostly through eliminated vacant positions, which could affect overtime funding and potentially public safety services. Meanwhile, all 110 fire prevention fees will increase, raising concerns among local business owners. Residents and city officials alike are focused on maintaining core services and public safety as the City Council prepares to finalize the budget in June.