Sylvie Belmond 
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Simi Valley residents will have a chance to learn how the city plans to spend its money during the next fiscal year, which begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2026. A public meeting is set for Tuesday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. City staff will present highlights from the proposed budget, answer questions and listen to input from attendees. Comments gathered during the session will be forwarded to the City Council ahead of its vote on June 9.
Starting May 20, the full proposed budget will be available online at simivalley.org, as well as in person at City Hall and the Simi Valley Public Library. For those who want a hard copy, printed versions can be purchased at City Hall.
According to the city’s 2024–25 budget, nearly half of its general operating fund—about $41.9 million—is designated for police services. This includes patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers and other parts of the department’s operations. Public Works receives the next largest share at approximately $14.9 million, which covers the upkeep of roads, sidewalks, storm drains, traffic signals and city facilities like the library and senior center.
In addition to police, the budget includes salaries and benefits for other city staff who work in departments such as planning, engineering, finance and administration. Like many California cities, Simi Valley also contributes to the state’s retirement system, CalPERS, to cover pensions for current and former employees. These pension costs are factored into each year’s budget and continue to be a long-term financial obligation the city manages.
It’s worth noting that the city’s general fund doesn’t cover everything. Simi Valley also has a number of dedicated capital funds that are used for infrastructure and improvement projects—things like roadway resurfacing, drainage upgrades and facility repairs. Those projects are often supported by grants, developer fees or special revenues that are legally required to be used for specific purposes.
The city’s income comes from several sources, including property taxes, sales taxes, hotel taxes and fees for services like building permits and business licenses. Trash collection isn’t handled directly by the city—it’s managed under contract by Waste Management. Water service in Simi Valley is provided by two agencies. The City Council oversees Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8, which serves much of the city, while other areas are served by Golden State Water, a private utility.
The May 27 public meeting is open to everyone and is intended to give residents an opportunity to learn more and share their views before the budget is finalized. For more information, call the City’s Budget Office at (805) 583-6361 or visit www.simivalley.org.
