Encinitas council sets preliminary FY 2025–26 budget priorities, directing staff to prepare proposed operating and CIP budget

The Encinitas City Council met in a special budget workshop and provided staff direction to prepare a proposed FY 2025–26 operating and capital improvement budget for introduction on May 28, 2025, prioritizing public safety and infrastructure projects.

The council’s discussion centered on a suite of capital and operating requests staff added since the second workshop, including funding for temporary Fire Station No. 1, additional contracted deputy sheriff coverage, storm-drain design and relining, pavement rehabilitation, permit‑parking software, and several pedestrian and trail projects. Finance Director Tom Gallup opened the staff presentation, calling the session “the third public workshop scheduled to receive direction before introducing the fiscal year 20 25, 26 operating a capital budget on May 28.”

Why it matters: Council members framed the workshop as an opportunity to close longstanding maintenance and safety gaps—flood control, pavement condition and traffic enforcement—after years of constrained spending. Several projects discussed have grant or reimbursement dependencies that limit how council can repurpose funds, and staff repeatedly reminded members that some grant dollars must be spent within specified timeframes.

Most significant allocations and council direction - Public safety and enforcement: Council expressed support for funding two additional contracted deputy positions focused on traffic and DUI enforcement (startup and contract costs covered this year), saying the positions would provide broader shift coverage than adding a single deputy. Deputy Mayor Kellie Lyons and other council members emphasized enforcement’s role in traffic-safety goals. The sheriff’s office indicated some of that work could be used for proactive DUI detail. - Temporary Fire Station No. 1: Staff reported an increased estimate; an additional appropriation of $285,000 this fiscal year was discussed to complete…