Council approves preliminary $60.2M regional water reuse allocation for FY 2026–27

The Santa Rosa City Council voted April 21 to approve the preliminary fiscal year 2026–27 operating, maintenance and capital allocation for the Regional Water Reuse System so partner agencies can receive allocation notices by May 1.

Deputy Director of Administration Nick Harvey told the council the system is budgeting roughly $54.6 million for operating expenditures and $13.0 million for cash‑funded capital improvements this year; after offsetting projected revenues (trucked waste tipping fees, interest and other miscellaneous receipts) the net agency contributions for O&M and cash CIP total approximately $60.2 million.

Key capital projects highlighted in the presentation include an $8.9 million rehabilitation of secondary clarifiers 1–3, a long‑planned Laguna Treatment Plant flood‑protection project (estimated $21.2 million) pending FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program work, and electrical upgrades at the Geysers pump station to secure reliable contract deliveries.

Harvey said the regional system has bolstered reserve balances in recent years (a refund reserve reached roughly $16.2 million) and that the FY27 budget anticipates a reduction in that balance due to planned appropriations. Councilmember Rogers noted the Laguna plant lies in District 7 and welcomed the infrastructure updates.

Vote: Council adopted the preliminary budget and allocation resolution (recorded 4–0 with Council Members Ben Wailos, Fleming and McDonald absent). The item is intended to allow the system to notify partner agencies ahead of final budget adoption.