The Finance Division is primarily responsible for the development and preparation of the City of Novato's annual operating budget and Capital Improvement Program budget.

The City of Novato adopts its budget each June for the following fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. The budget, while a financial document, is also an important policy document, outlining the City Council’s priorities for the upcoming year and showing where the City's funds will be allocated.

Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget

The City of Novato Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget season is underway, and we want your input on this year's budget development process.

Last year, Novato reached a major milestone with the adoption of the City's first balanced budget in more than five years. Thanks to the community’s support of Measure M, the City has been able to deliver on its commitment to restore essential services, strengthen public safety and invest in critical infrastructure. 

Measure M funding has enabled the City to:

• Restore staffing across City departments, including a fully staffed police department
• Balance the City’s budget and strengthen reserves to protect against economic uncertainty
• Address long-deferred maintenance and invest in roadways, parks and community facilities
• Restore and improve the core services our community relies on

Help guide the City Council in setting priorities for the upcoming budget to ensure it continues to reflect the needs and values of our community. 

Take our online survey and share your feedback on the City services that matter most to you. Survey closes at 11:59pm on Monday, March 23.

Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget

At their June 24, 2025 meeting, the Novato City Council unanimously approved a $57.7 million City Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26, effective July 1. For the first time in more than five years, the City has adopted a balanced budget — shaped by extensive community input and supported by voter-approved Measure M, which will generate approximately $10 million annually in new, locally controlled revenue.

Guided by community feedback gathered through surveys, workshops, meetings and popup events, the budget focuses on priorities such as road repair, public safety, emergency response, park maintenance and local business support. Measure M funding allows the City to better align these community priorities with available resources.

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