City Council addresses legal expenses and animal services amid budgeting challenges

The government meeting held on June 5, 2025, in San Bernardino focused on several key issues, primarily concerning budget management and legal expenses. The meeting began with a discussion on the centralization of legal service funding, which had previously been paid outside the city budget. Officials emphasized the importance of having a single account for transparency regarding the source of these funds.

The first agenda item addressed the significant reduction in legal expenses since the current administration took office in 2018. It was reported that legal costs had decreased from 56.6% of the budget in the fiscal year prior to 2017 to just 6.1% in the fiscal year 2023-2024. This reduction was attributed to efforts made by the BBK firm to lower the overall percentage of legal service costs, allowing more budget allocation for public services.

The discussion then shifted to the reasons behind rising legal expenses, including public perception of available funds, maintenance issues leading to claims against the city, inflation, and the increasing complexity of housing laws. Officials urged the council to consider sharing detailed financial data with the public to enhance transparency.

Following this, Director Watson addressed concerns regarding animal services, particularly the management of distemper outbreaks linked to low vaccination rates. He encouraged residents to keep their pets at home or bring them to shelters for care, as the city was actively working to manage the situation.

The meeting also included a review of the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, highlighting a 10% increase in the mayor's office budget. Officials urged the public to review the detailed budget documents available online, expressing concern over unplanned expenditures that had led to cuts in other departments.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to financial transparency and effective management of legal and animal services, while also addressing the challenges posed by rising costs and public health issues. Further discussions and follow-up actions are expected as the council continues to navigate these complex issues.