City Budget Update & Financial Highlights
Message from Henry Tingle, City Manager
Summer 2011

Henry Tingle has served as City Manager since October 1999.  As City Manager, Mr. Tingle focuses on improving services and infrastructure for citizens of Citrus Heights and ensuring the long term financial stability of the community.  In 2009, he was named "Public Administrator of the Year" by the American Society for Public Administration, Sacramento Chapter.  Mr. Tingle will be using this column to provide updates to the community on topics of interest. 

In the short 14 years since the City's incorporation, Citrus Heights has approached its finances in a prudent and thoughtful manner. As the first city to incorporate in 50 years in Sacramento County, there were many unknowns, so the City Council and management staff cautiously put money aside for a rainy day. As a built-out community, we knew we would not be able to rely on development to grow our revenue base. Overall, we have focused on improving the quality of life for our community, while always remaining vigilant to "live within our means," which meant focusing on three key principles.

Watching Our Expenses: As an organization, we have always stayed lean in terms of staffing and many of our employees wear multiple hats while managing numerous core responsibilities. Where it is cost advantageous, we continue to contract with the private sector for key services.

Buy With Cash: Rather than acquiring debt for large capital purchases, we have saved and used cash. For example, we built the new Community Center using $12 million in saved reserves.

Financial Plan for the Future: All key financial decisions by the City are reviewed in the City's sophisticated 10-Year Budget Model to determine their impact.

Citrus Heights is fortunate to have built a healthy General Fund Reserve of $33.8 million. The City's 2011-2012 budget continues to remain balanced, however, the economic downturn has impacted Citrus Heights as key revenue sources continue to decline. 

Unfortunately, the Govenor signed ABX1 26 & 27 eliminating redevelopment agencies, unless the agencies opt-in to an alternative voluntary redevelopment program.  Sadly, while we have lived within our means, the State's actions will negatively impact Citrus Heights.

For more information regarding the budget, please contact the City's Finance Department at (916) 725-2448.