Last Tuesday, the Carlsbad City Council approved the annual budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. In spite of the pandemic, the city continues to be financially healthy, but according to the city’s finance director, staff will need to keep a close eye on revenues and spending as the recovery continues.
City revenues in many areas were affected by the pandemic, but residents should not expect to see any changes in city services when the new budget goes into effect. This is in part due to the city’s overall financial stability and the City Council’s policy aimed at ensuring ample reserves, which can be used to smooth the effects of economic downturns.
Earlier this year, the City Council identified three major goals that are reflected in the new budget: reducing homelessness, creating a new approach to managing growth, and expanding the city’s fire and emergency medical services to meet the community’s changing needs.
