Lompoc council sets aside prior-year chamber funding, adopts budget amid widespread public protests

The Lompoc City Council on June 17 adopted a biannual city budget and capital improvement program while carving out an interim funding line for the Lompoc Chamber of Commerce and ordering a negotiated contract with performance and audit requirements.

The council approved the fiscal 2025–27 biannual budget and related ordinance by roll-call vote, 5-0. Staff told the council the draft budget contains a $35,000 contract amount for the chamber plus about $25,000 in in‑kind support the city had previously provided; council members and many public speakers pressed for clearer accountability and a longer transition if the council reduced or rescinded city support.

Why it matters: The chamber has served as the city’s longtime business advocate, run youth leadership programs and organized downtown events. Residents, business owners and program alumni packed the meeting to urge the council to preserve funding and to demand transparent process and dialogue after an earlier council action to reduce the chamber contract prompted public concern.

Council and staff action - The council adopted the biannual budget and CIP and introduced an accompanying ordinance with amendments and reporting requirements; the budget passed 5-0. Staff said the proposed budget shows the general fund in balance with a small projected surplus for FY 2026 (about $70,453 in the proposed documents) but noted negotiations and outstanding items remain. - During final deliberations the council directed staff to set aside a budget line equal to the chamber’s previous (most-recent) allocation and to continue contract negotiations that include measurable performance expectations and required financial statements. Council members also requested that staff return to council with scheduled follow-up reports (a midterm check and other items set for later review). The council voted to adopt the budget with those conditions (motion recorded as carried 5-0).

Public response and council discussion Public comment on the chamber dominated the meeting’s public‑comment period. Speakers included residents, small-business owners, program alumni and leadership program graduates. Several cited Leadership Lompoc Valley, youth programs and Old Town Market as chamber-supported activities; others pressed the council to restore full funding or to provide a clear plan for an off‑ramp that would preserve programs while the chamber reorganizes.

Mark Harrier of Lompoc Theatre Project told the council, “If it weren’t for the chamber, Lompoc Theatre Project would not exist.” Guadalupe Savala, who identified herself as the chamber’s newly appointed chair, urged “fairness, for dialogue, and transparency.” Multiple speakers — including recent Leadership Lompoc Valley graduates, nonprofit directors and local business owners — warned that cutting city support without a negotiated transition would end programs and events many residents depend on.

Council members said they heard the public’s concerns and asked staff and the chamber for firm deliverables: up‑to‑date financial statements or audits, a performance plan, and a timeline for review. Staff noted the chamber has not filed all requested financial statements for the most recent years; the city attorney advised that an audit requirement in the contract (annual financial review due March 31) is enforceable and, if unmet, could be treated as a contract default.

Next steps The council directed staff to: (a) reserve a chamber funding line equivalent to the chamber’s most recent allocation while the parties negotiate a revised contract; (b) require the chamber to produce the audit/financial statements called for in the contract; and (c) return to council with progress reports and any recommended contract language or adjustments. Council members said they expect the items and related department objectives to be brought back for review on a near‑term schedule rather than waiting many months.

Votes at a glance - Biannual budget and CIP (resolution and ordinance introduction): adopted, 5-0. - Motion to set aside chamber funding pending negotiated contract and required financial statements: approved as part of the final budget motion, 5-0.

Ending Council members and staff asked the community for continued engagement as staff and the chamber complete the negotiated contract and as the council monitors implementation and reporting.