Each year, our City Council carefully crafts a budget that balances essential services with emerging challenges. As we move forward in 2025, I want to take a moment to update you on our city’s financial outlook and the discussions underway to ensure Saratoga remains safe, vibrant and fiscally responsible.
Budget season is a time for reflection and planning; it is when we align our financial resources with our community’s needs and priorities. None of the items discussed here are final decisions; they remain under consideration as part of our ongoing budget process.
This process starts with a retreat in January, where we discuss citywide priorities that the council and city staff have identified. Through a series of meetings and hearings with the City Council and Finance Advisory Committee, we take staff recommendations and community feedback before ultimately adopting a budget by the end of June that will ensure Saratoga continues to thrive while preparing for the financial challenges ahead.
Saratoga operates on a fiscal year that runs from July 1 to June 30. Our city budget is approximately $30 million for a population of about 31,000 residents. Like all cities in California, Saratoga receives only a small portion of the property taxes collected—just 6.7 cents of every dollar. This means we must be thoughtful in how we allocate resources to maintain essential services while addressing new and ongoing priorities.
I’ll discuss a few priorities and how they’re reflected in our budget below.
Traffic safety remains a top concern, particularly for our children. Our Safe Routes to School program, which helps kids walk and bike safely, is being considered for continued investment. We are also implementing traffic calming measures across the city and reviewing a proposal for a new traffic signal at Herriman Avenue to address community concerns.
Saratoga’s neighborhoods are the foundation of our community. To ensure their long-term resilience, we are discussing options to increase funding for hillside stability projects, which help prevent erosion and landslides. Investing in our neighborhoods will protect homes and infrastructure while preserving the natural beauty that makes Saratoga special.
A dynamic Saratoga benefits everyone. One initiative under discussion is expanding the Secured Community Event Grant Program, which supports projects that bring people together. Additionally, we are looking at ways to enhance our downtown vibrancy and are welcoming new ideas from residents and businesses on how we can improve our shared spaces.
Recent wildfires in California have underscored the importance of preparation. While Saratoga is making efforts to reduce fire risk, it’s important to note that the responsibility for fire prevention lies primarily with the Santa Clara County Fire Department, which receives 14 cents of every dollar in property tax revenue. That said, the City Council is considering allocating an additional $200,000 toward wildfire prevention efforts to further enhance safety in our community. In January, I visited Congressman Sam Liccardo’s office in Washington, D.C., to advocate for federal support to ensure Saratoga has the resources to protect our homes and open spaces. Fun fact: Congressman Liccardo grew up in Saratoga!
Beyond these priorities, we must also address a significant financial challenge: Saratoga’s structural deficit. Our main sources of revenue—property taxes and service fees—are not keeping pace with rising costs. For example, public safety contracts have increased by 9 percent annually, and insurance costs have jumped by 30 percent. These growing expenses require us to make difficult choices.
A city budget is more than just numbers; it is a reflection of our values. While some services are mandated, others provide immense value to our quality of life. At some point, we will need to make strategic decisions to ensure financial stability, whether through proactive cost-saving measures or more urgent adjustments in the future.
As we navigate these financial discussions, community input is critical. Over the next few months, the City Council will consider feedback from residents to help guide our choices. I encourage you to stay engaged—attend meetings, share your thoughts and be part of the process. By working together, we can make informed decisions that keep Saratoga strong for years to come. The decisions we make today will shape the Saratoga of tomorrow, ensuring its vibrancy and resilience for future generations.
Belal Aftab is the mayor of Saratoga.
