The Finance Committee of the Santa Fe City Council convened on July 28, 2025, to discuss the upcoming budget adoption process and the importance of performance measurement in city departments. The meeting highlighted a proposed timeline for budget discussions, aiming to streamline the process and enhance accountability.

During the meeting, committee members emphasized the need for a thorough review of departmental accomplishments against established goals from the previous fiscal year. This review is intended to provide context for the upcoming budget and facilitate a more informed discussion among council members. The committee plans to make recommendations to the full governing body for budget adoption in May, followed by submission to the state Department of Finance and Administration in June.

Key discussions included the challenges of resource allocation amid growing demands on city services. Committee members acknowledged that while needs across departments are increasing, funding resources remain limited. This situation necessitates honest conversations about what the city can realistically achieve with its current budget.

Councilor Cassidy expressed support for a resolution related to the budget process and raised questions about potential constraints from the state. The finance team reassured the committee that the proposed budget process aligns with state requirements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced budget and cautious use of one-time funding.

The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle to implement effective performance measurement across city departments, with past attempts deemed unsuccessful due to insufficient support for the finance team. The committee aims to address these challenges to improve accountability and transparency in city operations.

As the budget process unfolds, the Finance Committee is poised to engage in deeper discussions about resource allocation and the city's ability to meet public needs, setting the stage for future fiscal planning.