Budgets

The Santa Barbara City Council is moving forward with a proposed budget for the next fiscal year, but officials say difficult financial decisions lie ahead.

District Attorney Dan Dow had wanted to carve out funding in next year’s budget for five new staff members, including one dedicated to elder abuse.

The San Luis Obispo City Council has unanimously approved the city’s nearly $225 million budget for the next fiscal year. Officials say the spending plan avoids staff layoffs and major service reductions.

City staff's budget proposal for fiscal years 2026-2028 had included a recommendation to close the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center from December to May.

Fueling the proposed increase is the idea that residents using a specific service should reimburse the local government for the whole cost of providing that service.

Council members on Tuesday heard the proposed budget plan and responded to the 1.5 million dollar budget for homelessness and housing.

The City of Salinas is facing a looming shortfall in its sewer system budget and has advanced a proposal to more than triple its rates.

Santa Barbara County projects an $11.9 million budget surplus by the end of the fiscal year.

In the next fiscal year the SLO County Superior Court will have to cut its budget by $1 million. To avoid layoffs and mandatory furloughs, the court will reduce its public phone and counter hours.

City officials report that costs are outpacing revenues. They plan to use reserve funds and make cuts across several departments, but they're also looking at other options.