Encinitas council introduced balanced $146.6 million budget, schedules adoption for June 18

City Manager Graham Campbell introduced the City of Encinitasproposed fiscal year 2025-26 operating and capital budgets on May 28, saying the plan is balanced and meets the citypolicy reserves.

The proposed all-funds revenue total is $146.6 million, which staff said would fund $139.9 million in expenses; the general fund is estimated at $113.3 million. "We have a balanced budget," Campbell said, and finance staff told the council the proposal meets the city's 2% budget stabilization reserve and 20% contingency reserve policies.

Finance Director Tom Gallup told the council the item is an introduction for review and public input and that the city will return June 18 with the budget resolutions needed for final adoption. "This process is a way for the city council to authorize spending through appropriations before the beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1," Gallup said.

Why it matters: the proposal funds new recurring and one-time items discussed in budget workshops and preserves funding for capital projects and debt obligations while maintaining a modest unassigned general-fund balance. Council members and speakers used the session to ask questions about specific programs, capital priorities and smaller community requests such as flags and interpretive signage at a veterans memorial.

Key budget details and new spending

- Revenues and reserves: Staff presented estimated all-funds revenues of $146.6…