City Council urges community input on upcoming budget adoption

The government meeting held on May 30, 2025, in Carmel-by-the-Sea focused primarily on the upcoming budget discussions and community engagement. Mary Shelley, a key speaker, emphasized the importance of public input as the city approaches the final stages of budget adoption. She encouraged residents to participate in the budget discussions scheduled for Tuesday, highlighting that this year's engagement has been notably higher, with over 40 questions submitted by the community.

Shelley noted that the budget encompasses various elements, including the city spending limit and capital improvement projects (CIP) for the year. She expressed appreciation for the increased community involvement compared to previous years, where questions had to be seeded by the city to stimulate discussion. The shift to genuine inquiries from residents marks a positive change in civic engagement.

In addition to budget discussions, Shelley acknowledged Juanita Menig, who was departing from her role with the city. Menig was recognized for her excellent service at City Hall, and her contributions were appreciated by the community.

Following Shelley, Amy provided updates on local events, specifically mentioning the fifth annual Carmel Culinary Week. She noted that the event has expanded this year, indicating a successful evolution since its inception.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to transparency and community involvement in the budgeting process, while also celebrating local events that foster community spirit. The next steps involve finalizing the budget with continued public feedback and preparing for the upcoming culinary festivities.