FOLSOM FACES FISCAL CROSSROADS: CITY COUNCIL DIRECTS BUDGET EDUCATION PROGRAM 

At its April 9 meeting, the Folsom City Council directed staff to begin a public education effort to inform the community about the city's finances and projected deficit.

While the City of Folsom currently has a stable financial status, an Aa2 credit rating, and reserves in the rainy-day fund, fiscal projections reveal upcoming challenges. 

The city is facing a financial shortfall that could impact public safety, public services, and the quality of life in Folsom. The Folsom City Council will soon weigh options to address a structural deficit as the city prepares its FY 2024-25 annual budget.

Amidst the projected structural deficit, the city faces compounding infrastructure and building maintenance needs that require a dedicated funding source. There is an estimated $20 million annual shortfall in funding for infrastructure improvements, park and facility repairs, equipment maintenance and replacements, trail maintenance and repairs, and staffing needs.

Sales tax revenue—one of the city's primary revenue sources—no longer covers the cost of providing services or maintaining the city's aging infrastructure. The five-year projection predicts this structural deficit will grow as the cost of delivering services outpaces revenue growth. A multimillion-dollar annual shortfall is projected by 2026.

"The financial situation is arguably the biggest challenge facing our city and our community," said Mayor Mike Kozlowski. "This year will bring difficult decisions and challenging community conversations about addressing a structural budget deficit. Our City Council's priority is fiercely protecting our essential services and Folsom's quality of life. As always, you have our full commitment to transparency and public involvement as we address these challenges together."

City staff is developing the FY 2024-25 proposed budget, which must be balanced. The budget will be presented to the City Council at its May 28 meeting, and the Council will adopt a final budget by June 30. 

Learn more about the city's financial challenges:

Frequently Asked Questions

City Manager Presentation 

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION APRIL 20

Join the City of Folsom for our Earth Day celebration! This free, family-friendly event brings the community together through volunteerism, fun activities, and inspiring exhibits that raise environmental awareness. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate our vibrant city and get involved by volunteering and learning about solutions to address environmental concerns in our community. The event will begin with volunteer opportunities followed by an informational and fun festival near City Hall. Earth Day is a worldwide annual celebration dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation for the planet’s environment and advocating for environmental protection. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/EarthDay.

Earth Day Celebration

Saturday, April 20

• Earth Day Cleanup: 9 a.m. to noon
• Earth Day Festival: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 48 Natoma Street

COMMUNITY FOR HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE CONCEPTUAL ANNEXATION PROPOSAL WORKSHOP

The Folsom City Council will hold a public workshop Tuesday, April 23 to consider a preliminary request from AKT and UC Davis Health for their conceptual annexation proposal. The proposed project is a master-planned community located south of Folsom within Sacramento and El Dorado Counties. The developer will present their project concept and request feedback from both the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and the Folsom City Council at separate meetings April 23 to inform their future decisions and any next steps required to move forward. View the applicant’s project narrative on the city’s website. 

No formal action is required or allowed at this time. Instead, this workshop creates an early vetting opportunity for the developer to hear from the community and City Council about the developer’s proposed Community for Health and Independence annexation proposal. 

The Folsom City Council meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, in the Council Chambers at Folsom City Hall, 50 Natoma Street. The staff report can be viewed online. 

FOLSOM’S ADOPT-A-TRAIL PROGRAM

Help Maintain Our Beautiful Trails

The Adopt-A-Trail program was developed by Folsom Parks & Recreation to provide the opportunity for community members and organizations to beautify, restore, and help maintain the city's treasured trail system. Through the dedication of our volunteers, the trail system receives the extra attention needed to help keep the trails clear of litter and debris.

Trail sections are adopted in one-mile segments. Adopters are required to make a one-year commitment with regular trail checks and cleanup days. There is no fee to adopt or participate in a cleanup day. The Friends of the Folsom Parkways serve as the Adopt-A-Trail Program Coordinator and are the main point of contact for questions and to provide assistance with the adoption process. Learn more about the Adopt-A-Trail program and start your adoption process today!

NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK 

Communications dispatchers are often the first in line in emergency service response—the calming voice you hear when you are hurt, in danger, or need help fast. This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which honors the women and men who answer 9-1-1 emergency calls and dispatch police, fire, and paramedic personnel that provide life-saving assistance. In 2023, Folsom’s communications dispatchers handled 93,128 telephone calls and dispatched 58,371 events; and 99% of all 9-1-1 calls were answered in 15 seconds or less. Join us in honoring the “first” first responders who are on the frontlines of emergencies and ensure help is on the way when we need it the most.

COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY COMMITTEE SEEKS PROJECT IDEAS

The 11th annual Community Service Day takes place Saturday, September 21. This major citywide event mobilizes hundreds of volunteers to complete dozens of service projects throughout Folsom that make a positive, lasting impact. Do you have a great idea for a Community Service Day project? The deadline is June 28 to submit your idea for consideration. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available to help support this wonderful community event. Find more information about Community Service Day at folsomcommunityservice.org.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR SUMMER CAMPS AND PROGRAMS

Folsom Parks & Recreation summer camps include the new Destination Recreation camp for kids who love to stay busy and active, zookeeper camps, STEM camps, academic and enrichment camps, Summer CAVE for teens, and a huge variety of sports-focused camps.

The summer Rec Guide includes the full lineup of summer camps, plus events, activities, and programs for all ages. A printed copy of the Rec Guide mailed to Folsom residents this week; a digital version is available online. Register for summer camps and programs online at webtrac.folsom.ca.us or call 916-461-6601 for more information.

Join the Folsom Public Library for a Plant Swap event from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27! Attendees are encouraged to bring one or more pest-free plants, plant cuttings, or seeds for swapping with others. As a bonus, each participant will receive a raffle ticket and a chance to win a gift card! Plant swaps provide an opportunity for gardening enthusiasts to exchange plants and expand their collections while building community. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library.

EARTH DAY PROMOTION: SAVE WATER WITH THE RACHIO SMART SPRINKLER CONTROLLER PROGRAM

Get ready to supercharge your water savings and upgrade your sprinkler system with the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller program, brought to you by the City of Folsom in partnership with the Regional Water Authority and local water providers. City of Folsom water customers can purchase the Rachio 3 Controller at a deep discount, helping you conserve water and reduce your utility bills.

The Rachio 3 Controller is like a smart thermostat for your sprinklers, harnessing local weather data to adjust your sprinkler runtimes. It automatically reduces watering during cooler weather and increases it when temperatures rise. Plus, you can conveniently manage it through the Rachio app on your smartphone.

By replacing your standard sprinkler controller with a WaterSense-labeled Rachio 3, you can save approximately 13,500 gallons of water per year in the average home. That's not only great for your wallet but also for the environment.

To celebrate Earth Day, the City of Folsom is offering residents extra discounts on Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controllers through April 23:

• 4-Zone system: typically retails for about $150; now available for $19.99 plus tax
• 8-Zone system: typically retails for about $200; now available for $54.99 plus tax
• 16-Zone system: typically retails for about $250; now available for $54.99 plus tax

To find out more about the program, eligibility requirements, and access the application, visit folsom.ca.us/rebates.

FREE SACRT RIDES ON EARTH DAY

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is offering systemwide free rides Monday, April 22, to celebrate Earth Day.

Free rides are available on all buses (Folsom and Elk Grove included), light rail, and SmaRT Ride shuttles. SacRT GO paratransit services is also included for eligible passengers with an advance reservation.

Learn more at sacrt.com/earthday.

City of Folsom Communications Director

Christine Brainerd | cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us | 916-461-6013 (office)

Get connected. Stay informed.

City of Folsom | 50 Natoma Street | www.folsom.ca.us