Santa Paula general funds took in $31.7 million last year, $4.6 million over budget, unaudited report says

SANTA PAULA - Santa Paula's general funds took in $31.69 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, about 17% more than the $27.09 million budgeted, according to an unaudited year-end report the City Council will review Nov. 18.

The report from Finance Director Christy Ramirez says General Fund spending came in $2.85 million under budget, though $2.23 million of that is set aside for capital project carryovers. Staff expects a true General Fund surplus of more than $3.3 million and recommends one-time uses, including $1 million toward the Telegraph Road widening and roundabout project, $850,000 to raise reserves from 20% to 25% of ongoing expenses, $360,000 for solar street lighting, $238,000 for unbudgeted electricity and $50,000 for hospital support.

The report cautions that some revenue was development fees that arrived a year early, and says development-related revenue could fall $2.7 million short this fiscal year. Separate surpluses of more than $618,000 in Measure T and $386,000 in Measure R would go mostly to street work.

The figures may change when the independent audit is finished. The council is asked to adopt the budget adjustments at its 6:30 p.m. meeting.

Source: Santa Paula City Council agenda, Nov. 18, 2026; agenda packet, item 10.B year-end fiscal report.