Today, the Council starts budget review. This is the first opportunity for the Council to hear directly from city departments on their draft FY2026 budget allocation, what they propose to cut from last year's budget, and how it will affect delivery of city services.

With extensive coverage of the Mayor's Draft Budget released on April 15^th and the Independent Budget Analyst's assessment released last week, we know cuts will be deep, some services will be reduced or withheld, and city positions will be eliminated. We also know the budget is delicately balanced on a few one-time resources and, more importantly, new revenue, which is still subject to Council action.

I will be focused on all aspects of the budget and city operations. In particular, I will focus on those line items where cuts result in minimal savings, but could have significant impact on District 1 and other parts of the city.

That is where you come in.

The draft budget calls for eliminating the command structure of the Northwestern Division (coverage includes Carmel Valley, Del Mar Heights, Pacific Highlands Ranch, Torrey Hills, Del Mar Mesa, and other neighborhoods). All personnel in that division would be shifted to the Northeastern Division at the Rancho Peñasquitos police station.

In a $2+ billion budget, this action would only save $1.7 million. I believe the savings do not justify the direct and indirect impacts of that shift, and I know many of you agree.

If you agree, my council colleagues need to hear from you this week. You have two opportunities:

Tonight, Monday, May 5, 6:00 pm. This is an open session set aside only for public comment on any aspect of the budget. You likely will only have 1 minute to speak, so cut to the chase.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6, 2:00 pm Session. Sub-Item N is devoted to the Police Department's budget. Again, you likely only have 1 minute.

We have difficult decisions across every city department. I am confident that this council, working with the Mayor and all the city departments, can right-size and deliver a balanced budget that works for District 1 and across all neighborhoods.

Thank you in advance.

Council President Joe LaCava