Members of the Oakdale City Council voted 5-0 on Monday, April 21 to approve the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 mid-year budget adjustment, citing strong financial stewardship and minimal discrepancies between original projections and actual expenditures.
The mid-year review showed the General Fund’s projected revenues slightly decreased to $16.4 million, down $56,025 from earlier estimates, primarily due to lower property tax and sales tax collections. General Fund expenditures were adjusted upward by $12,000, driven mainly by utility and insurance costs. Despite the adjustments, Oakdale’s projected year-end reserve remains strong at approximately $6.8 million — maintaining a 40 percent reserve level.
“This was one of the smallest discrepancies I’ve ever seen between a final budget and a mid-year budget,” said Councilmember Jeff Kettering. “Usually there’s much more overplanning and underutilization. Hats off to the city staff for staying in the budget that’s been approved.”
Councilmember Chris Smith praised the city’s ability to maintain a 40 percent reserve, noting its significance compared to other agencies.
“I’ve met three city managers, and if my brain is holding it correctly, one said seven percent, one said 15 percent, and the best was 25 percent. The 40 percent reserve that we have built and maintained is astounding, really. Hats off to all the departments for knowing what they could spend and for keeping the budget in line,” Smith said.
The mid-year budget adjustments also accounted for enterprise and special funds, including the Water and Sewer funds, which continue to maintain positive balances while supporting infrastructure projects. Additionally, Measure H funds — Oakdale’s half-cent sales tax for public safety — were fully allocated to police, fire, and community services, with no remaining balance projected at the end of the fiscal year.
Interim City Manager Jerry Ramar emphasized that the adjustments reflect the city’s continued focus on financial resilience and operational transparency.
The final FY 2024-2025 budget will return to the council for approval in October.
Meanwhile, the City of Oakdale also recently announced the release of a new mobile app designed to connect residents more efficiently with city services. At the same time, officials are encouraging residents to apply for open positions on city boards, commissions, and committees.
The free app, available for download on both the App Store and Google Play, offers residents a streamlined way to interact with the city. Features include the ability to report a problem, pay bills, access city hall services, and stay connected with community events.
The app can be found by searching “City of Oakdale” on mobile devices.
In addition to the new app, the City is currently accepting applications from residents interested in serving on several city committees and commissions. According to city officials, boards and commissions are established either by Municipal Code or City Council direction, and citizen participation is strongly encouraged.
Current vacancies include openings on the following:
Planning Commission;
Senior Citizen Advisory Commission;
Oakdale Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board;
Residents Oversight Committee (One-Half Cent Transactions & Use Tax Revenue Expenditure Review Measure H).
Residents interested in applying must complete an Application of Interest form and return it to: Council Services & Legislative/Records Manager, City of Oakdale, 280 North Third Avenue, Oakdale, CA 95361.
Forms are available for download on the city’s website at www.oakdalegov.com. Those unable to download the form may request one by calling 209-845-3573 or emailing cityclerk@oakdaleca.gov.
The Local Appointments List is published annually in compliance with California Government Code §54972 and provides a comprehensive list of regular and ongoing boards, commissions, and committees appointed by the City Council.
For more information regarding the vacancies or the application process, contact the Council Services & Legislative/Records Manager’s office at 209-845-3573.
