Santa Rosa council adopts preliminary water utility budget; staff flags CIP and reserve changes

The City Council approved a resolution on April 21 adopting the City of Santa Rosa’s preliminary water utility budget for fiscal year 2026–27 after a staff presentation on operations and capital needs.

Nick Harby, presenting on behalf of the utilities team, outlined partner contributions, forecasted a 3% operating increase and described major capital projects: rehabilitation of secondary clarifiers (estimated around $8.9 million) and a flood-hardening project for the treatment plant (estimated about $21 million). Harby said the utility’s undesignated regional reserve had been about $16 million last year and could fall to roughly $6–7 million under current projections without adjustments.

Why it matters: the water utility’s capital and operating plans affect service reliability and partner agency rates. Harby said upgrades are intended to reduce operational interruptions and better position the system to meet treatment and regulatory requirements. Council questions focused on construction impacts and whether the projects would minimize service interruptions during construction.

Councilmember Rogers moved to adopt the preliminary water budget resolution; the motion was seconded and carried on a 4–0 roll call with absent members noted. Staff said they will return with more detailed CIP timelines and permitting plans before construction begins.