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Council reviews 2026 budget first draft; staff highlights valuation spike and outreach options
Summary
City staff presented the Valley Center 2026 budget first draft, reporting a large assessed valuation increase and discussing options for public outreach and possible mill levy adjustments; council members debated the cost-effectiveness of a formal public survey.
City staff presented the first draft of Valley Center’s 2026 budget, highlighting a significant assessed valuation increase and discussing options for public engagement on the budget and possible mill-levy adjustments.
Why it matters: The assessed valuation change determines property-tax capacity and can lead to changes in the mill levy that affect homeowners and city revenues.
Valuation and budget drivers Staff reported a historic valuation increase from the county of 15.172 percent and presented an estimated FY2026 assessed valuation figure cited in the packet as “87,000,000, $761,650.” Staff described that roughly $4.2 million of the increase reflected new construction and that the county’s August 15 valuation date drives what is captured in the roll.
Staff emphasized that most spending growth is from wages and benefits: "Our staff are a large expense," the presenter said, calling out recent operational demands such as storm cleanup. Officials noted the city may be able to propose a 1.2 proposed decrease to the mill levy (presented as a possible decrease), depending on final numbers.
Public outreach and survey debate Council members discussed whether the city should deploy a public budget survey. Staff and one council member cautioned that a formal, well-sampled survey can be costly for a small community and that response rates for prior surveys varied. One council member said a quick 5- to 10-question online survey could be done if council provides questions; another suggested waiting until FY2027 when staff could better prepare and budget for advanced survey software.
Next steps Staff identified a public hearing on Sept. 2 as part of the budget calendar and said designating a council budget committee is an option for more public engagement. The city will continue refining the budget and present further budget hearings according to the calendar.
Ending Council did not take an immediate vote on the mill levy; staff will return with refined figures as county valuations and departmental inputs are finalized.
