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Ethics Commission adopts budget request to keep staffing at current levels amid cuts
Summary
The Ethics Commission approved a budget request equal to the current year’s appropriation to preserve staffing levels, acknowledging city budget pressures and the risk that deeper cuts would require staff reductions.
The San Francisco Ethics Commission voted 4‑0 on Jan. 23 to request a budget equal to the current year’s appropriation for the coming two‑year cycle, a move staff said is intended to preserve existing staffing levels amid citywide budget cuts.
Executive Director John Saint Croix explained the commission faces a two‑year budget cycle and a city target to cut 5 percent the first year and another 5 percent the following year; he recommended requesting the same level of funding as in the current year to avoid immediate layoffs. “If we do endure budget cuts, it will mean staff,” Saint Croix said.
Public commenters asked for clearer narrative in the budget transmittal about what current resources permit and what reductions would mean. David Pilpel suggested the memo clarify that the item covers a two‑year budget and recommended including plain language about staffing consequences and possible contingency items (he suggested televising of meetings as a potential cut).
Commissioners described the request as a reasonable balance between preserving the commission’s independence and respecting the city’s budget needs. The motion to adopt the recommended budget request was moved and seconded, and the commission approved it by voice vote, recorded as 4 to 0.
What’s next: Staff will prepare the transmittal and continue to work with the mayor’s budget office and Board of Supervisors through the budget process.
