FOLSOM CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

The Folsom City Council unanimously adopted a $246 million operating budget and capital improvement plan for the 2023-24 fiscal year that takes effect July 1. The spending plan, approved at the May 23 City Council meeting, maintains core service levels and amenities while investing in fundamental community priorities.

“Although the City of Folsom’s General Fund is currently in a fiscally sound position thanks to the prudent and conservative planning by the City Council, we are facing a situation where expenses are growing at a faster rate than revenues. As a result, we anticipate deficits as we work toward balancing the budget in future years," said City Manager Elaine Andersen. “Moreover, the city is confronted with mounting infrastructure and building maintenance needs that cannot be ignored and are lacking a dedicated funding source. Our primary focus in this constrained environment is to uphold the essential services the city provides.”

While the City of Folsom currently maintains a stable financial status, an Aa2 credit rating, and reserves in the rainy-day fund, upcoming fiscal challenges are anticipated. The five-year forecast predicts this structural deficit will grow as the cost of providing services outpaces revenue growth.

The FY 2023-24 budget includes an operating budget for day-to-day city programs and services, and a capital improvement program—a long-range plan that funds public construction projects and infrastructure.

Highlights include:

• Prospector Park construction
• Intelligent Transportation System Master Plan
• Folsom Lake Crossing Safety Improvements/Median Barrier Project
• East Bidwell and Iron Point Road/Highway 50 onramp improvements
• Riley Street Sidewalk Project
• Two firefighter positions
• One police officer position
• Two community service officer positions (added midyear of FY 2022-23)
• New software systems to improve efficiencies 

CITY OF FOLSOM ENDS STAGE 3 WATER RESTRICTIONS

Following one of California's wettest winters, the City of Folsom is ending its Water Conservation “Water Warning”—Stage 3, effective June 9. This change aligns with the governor lifting the state’s drought restrictions and the expiration of California State Water Resources Control Board emergency regulations.

Storage levels for Folsom Reservoir are above average for this time of year, and the city has adequate supplies to meet projected customer demand; therefore, the city will move back to Water Conservation Stage 1—Basic Stage.

“We thank our customers for reducing their water use during the drought, which allowed us to save more than 601 million gallons of water,” said Environmental and Water Resources Director Marcus Yasutake. “We remind customers to continue to use water wisely.”

The following mandatory restrictions for all Californians are still in place and prohibit:

• Using potable water to wash sidewalks and driveways, except for health or safety reasons.
• Allowing runoff when watering with potable water.
• Using hoses with no shutoff nozzles to wash cars.
• Using potable water in decorative water features that do not recirculate the water.
• Watering outdoors during and within 48 hours following measurable rainfall.
• Using potable water to irrigate non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites. Potable water is not prohibited to the extent necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings or for health and safety needs.

For more information on how to conserve water and water-saving rebates and programs, visit the city’s water conservation webpage.

TRAFFIC SAFETY PROJECT TO BEGIN ON FOLSOM LAKE CROSSING AND EAST NATOMA STREET

A traffic safety improvement project at Folsom Lake Crossing and East Natoma Street is set to begin June 14. The project is designed to improve safety, reduce accidents and fatalities, and increase mobility in the corridor.

Project crews will apply a rubberized friction surface treatment to the roadway, which will enhance surface drainage and significantly boost tire traction. This treatment is expected to reduce the risk of accidents caused by wet or slippery road conditions.

Construction is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On June 19 and 20, work will begin at 4 a.m. All lanes will remain open throughout the project; however, minor traffic delays should be expected. The surface treatment project is anticipated to be completed June 23.

In July, crews will install 2,150 feet of metal beam median barriers, radar speed feedback signs, and updated pavement markers and signage.

For more information about the project, contact Senior Civil Engineer Ryan Chance at 916-461-6713 or rchance@folsom.ca.us.

NIGHT WORK AND STREET CLOSURE ON NATOMA STREET: CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATE

As part of an ongoing infrastructure improvement project, Natoma Street, between Scott and Riley streets, will require a temporary street closure for up to three nights. The closure will occur from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. June 11 and 12, and may extend to June 13 if required.

The closures are necessary to perform work on the Natoma Street Drainage Improvement Phase 2, which will replace the existing deteriorated storm drain system and alleviate potential flooding concerns in the area. The city does not anticipate the road closures will create significant traffic delays, but the work may cause some noise disturbances. Message signs will alert motorists about the closures, and flaggers will direct traffic. 

For more information, contact Senior Engineer Ryan Neves at 916-461-6705 or rneves@folsom.ca.us.

SUMMER DAY CAMPS KEEP KIDS AND TEENS BUSY AND ENGAGED 

Summer Day Camps are a great way for youth and teens to keep their minds engaged and bodies active through indoor and outdoor activities, creative play, hands-on learning, and social interaction. Folsom Parks & Recreation offers a wide variety of camp selections, including STEAM camps—Minecraft Engineering, Animal Engineering, Inventor’s Camp, Detective Madness, Flight Academy, and more; plus enrichment camps—Fashion Camp, Mindfulness and Yoga Camp, and Math Factory. The popular weekly themed Summer CAVE camp engages incoming 6th graders through outgoing 8th graders in fun games and contests, group sports and outdoor activities, field trips, and much more. A huge variety of sports-focused camps offer everything from fencing to volleyball. The camps are conducted by trained and caring staff and provide a supervised, positive, and inclusive environment. Early registration is encouraged as many of the camps fill quickly. Call 916-461-6601 with questions.

LOOKING FOR A JOB?

FOLSOM PARKS & RECREATION IS HIRING!

Folsom Parks & Recreation is accepting applications for a variety of part-time job opportunities, including administrative support, senior center lounge attendant, senior nutrition program assistant, staff for the sports complex, skate and bike park monitors, park maintenance, and more. Learn more about the positions and apply online.

REQUEST A VACATION CHECK WITH THE FOLSOM POLICE DEPARTMENT 

Before you check out for vacation, check in with the Folsom Police Department’s Vacation Check Service! As a free service to residents, Citizens Assisting Public Safety (CAPS) volunteers will check your home while you are away on vacation.

The service deters would-be robbers during the busy travel season and provides residents extra protection and peace of mind. As often as once a day, a volunteer will walk the perimeter of the home, check doors and windows to make sure they are locked, and remove any papers or packages that are a tell-tale sign that the resident is not home.

• Vacation checks can only be conducted for Folsom residents and on residential properties.
• Please provide at least 72 hours advance notice before the first day of the requested Vacation Check. Failure to do so may result in a delay in the start of the requested Vacation Check.
• Vacation Checks are limited to 30 days in duration.
• Vacation Checks may only be conducted on a residential property where no one will be home during the property owner's absence. 

For more information or to request a Vacation Check for your home, visit www.folsom.ca.us/VacationChecks.

SECURE YOUR BIKE: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR PROTECTION

Bicycles rank among the most frequently stolen items in Folsom. To safeguard your bike from theft or increase the chances of its recovery, the Folsom Police Department urges you to follow these guidelines:

• Always utilize a U-lock or a similar sturdy lock to secure your bike. Avoid cable locks as they can easily be severed.
• Fasten both your frame and wheel together, and then lock them to a bicycle rack.
• When parking your bike, opt for well-lit and heavily trafficked areas for greater security.
• Make a note of your bike's serial number and capture a photograph of yourself with the bike. Additionally, if possible, retain the original sales receipt. Save these important details on your phone or computer. This information will greatly assist the police department in reuniting you with your bike in case of theft.

If you come across an abandoned bicycle, please promptly report it to the Folsom Police Department's non-emergency line at 916-461-6400 (choose option #1).

By adhering to these precautions, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of your bike being stolen and increase the chances of its recovery. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/police.

RESOURCES FOR TREE ENTHUSIASTS

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned tree expert, these resources will help you deepen your knowledge and appreciation of the trees in Folsom.

Shady 80 

It's important to plant the right tree in the right place. Use this catalog to help narrow down your tree selection. This list includes over 80 of the best trees for the Sacramento region—trees that will thrive in our climate and soil, that are ideal for urban and suburban areas, and are relatively free of serious pests and diseases.

iNaturalist App 

Interact with other tree enthusiasts and be a citizen scientist! This free app helps you identify the plants and trees around you.

Are you interested in free trees? The City of Folsom partners with the Sacramento Tree Foundation and SMUD to provide residents with free trees for their homes and businesses.Visit the Sacramento Tree Foundation's website to apply.

NATURE SCIENCE SEMINAR: ANIMAL AMBASSADORS

Join presenter Kent Anderson with the American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 28 for this unique opportunity to explore core science concepts with live Animal Ambassadors. Kent will guide participants in how to effectively incorporate live animals into environmental education programs with utilizing raptors, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Explore the pros and cons of integrating live animals into programs and facilities and learn about the regulatory issues of animal care and housing. Discuss the variety of STEM concepts and how they can be taught utilizing live Animal Ambassadors.

The seminar will be held at the Rotary Clubhouse, 7150 Baldwin Dam Road. The registration fee is $5/person; ages 10 through adult are welcome to attend. Preregistration is mandatory; call 916-461-6601 with questions.

HICAP PROGRAM FOR SENIORS

HICAP is a nonprofit agency dedicated to assisting current and soon-to-be Medicare beneficiaries. HICAP’s highly-trained volunteer counselors are registered with the California Department of Aging and can help you with questions or problems relating to Medicare (Parts A, B, C & D), Medicare billing and claims, supplemental insurance, and Long Term Care insurance. This program is for ages 65+ (or soon to be eligible for Medicare) or disabled adults who receive Medicare benefits. In-person appointments are available on select Tuesdays at the Folsom Senior Center, 48 Natoma Street. Call 916-376-8915 to schedule an in-person or phone appointment. There is no fee for this service.

City of Folsom Communications Director

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

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