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Community Activities draft budget includes $30,000 line for Car Week shuttle; commission discusses 100th birthday plans

Carmel-by-the-Sea Community Activities Commission · February 17, 2026

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Summary

Staff presented a draft FY 2026–27 Community Activities budget covering contract services, promotions and event logistics; the proposal includes a $30,000 Car Week shuttle line and suggested enhancements for the city's 100th birthday events. Commissioners asked staff to prepare ad hoc committees and bring detailed budget adjustments next month.

Leslie, Community Activities staff, presented the department’s draft FY 2026–27 budget, structured into contract services (farmers market, third Thursdays), community promotions (decorations, event refreshments), sound/stage rentals, office supplies and event‑specific lines.

Leslie listed recurring events the city supports or co‑sponsors — Breakfast with the Bunny (April 4), Sandcastle Contest, Memorial Day, July 4 support for Monterey County Pops, Pumpkin Roll, Veterans Day, Home Crafters Marketplace and the holiday tree/menorah lighting. She noted replacement needs (the menorah was damaged) and added modest line items for sound and staging at high‑attendance events.

The draft explicitly includes an item for the Car Week shuttle; Leslie listed it on the draft as $30,000 (up from about $22,000–$24,000 last year) to allow for expanded hours if the council directs that. Commissioners discussed whether shuttle costs should be charged to event organizers or subsidized by the city; Leslie said past practice has varied and the council will ultimately decide.

Commissioners emphasized taking advantage of the city’s 100th birthday to "elevate" the holiday and birthday celebrations, recommending better sound for the pumpkin roll, increased activations at tree lighting and forming ad hoc committees to plan signature events. Staff were asked to return next month with any budget adjustments and to form volunteer/ad hoc committees for the birthday and holiday planning.

No budget adoption occurred at this meeting; staff will refine figures and present a proposed budget to the finance department by the March/May schedule described in the packet.