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Santa Barbara council hears widening budget gap, approves Q2 adjustments and budget schedule
Summary
City staff warned of a structural general‑fund shortfall and projected reserve depletion by fiscal 2028; the council accepted Q2 budget adjustments and directed staff to refine options including potential revenue measures for a Nov. 2026 ballot.
City Council on Feb. 24 accepted a midyear financial review that shows a growing multiyear deficit and a need for both revenue and expenditure solutions.
Council member and finance committee member Eric Friedman summarized the committee briefing, saying “staff is projecting a $5,900,000 deficit for this fiscal year,” and said the committee forwarded budget adjustments and salary changes to the full council.
Finance Director Keith Demartini and staff walked the council through a multiyear forecast that shows general‑fund expenditures outpacing revenues. Demartini said staff’s projection indicates the city could “fully deplete all of our…
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