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Council adopts two‑year budget policy to formalize mid‑cycle review and operating carryovers
Summary
Carpinteria adopted an updated budget and fiscal policy establishing a two‑year budget document, formalizing the mid‑cycle review process and authorizing the city manager to approve limited operating carryovers into the second year for multiyear projects.
The City Council on April 14 adopted an update to the city’s budget and fiscal policy to move the city to a two‑year budget cycle and to formalize procedures for second‑year budget reviews and limited operating carryovers.
What changed: The adopted policy adds a section establishing a two‑year budget document to increase long‑range planning, align budget and strategic priorities, and reduce staff time producing an annual book. It clarifies the mid‑cycle second‑year budget review process: council will review first‑year performance and approve necessary adjustments to second‑year appropriations. The policy also authorizes the city manager to approve carryovers of unspent operating appropriations from year one to year two, typically for multiyear strategic projects, subject to internal review.
Why it matters: The change aims to provide greater continuity for multi‑year capital and strategic projects, reduce administrative workload and tie budgeting more closely to the council’s two‑year strategic priorities. Council members asked that the finance committee continue to receive regular updates and recommended adding oversight touchpoints so that carryovers do not become an unchecked source of spending.
Council action: Council adopted Resolution No. 6,387 approving the updated budget and fiscal policy. The motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: Staff will use a single two‑year budget document for the FY 2025–26 cycle, complete a mid‑cycle review after year one, and bring proposed second‑year adjustments to council. Departments will bring carryover requests to the city manager for approval, and the finance committee will be kept informed of carryover decisions and spending pace.
