Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Carlsbad city presents midyear economic and budget update; council approves modest one‑time appropriations
Summary
City staff presented a second‑quarter FY25–26 economic update and midyear budget review. The council unanimously approved staff’s recommended resolutions, including $150,000 for temporary ambulance coverage and $200,000 for a medical‑transport reimbursement program, with other non‑general fund requests totaling roughly $275,000.
City economic development director Matt Sanford and Finance Director Zach Korach presented the second‑quarter FY25–26 economic and midyear budget update, reviewing economic indicators and recommending limited one‑time appropriations.
Sanford said Carlsbad’s 2025 gross regional product was estimated at $18.7 billion and noted sectoral differences: hospitality, tourism, real estate and health expanded modestly while some manufacturing and R&D segments softened. He said unemployment in the region remained under 5 percent and that home‑value indices and permit activity showed both strength and moderation in different segments.
Korach reviewed revenues and the general fund position for the first six months of FY25–26. He said the city met or exceeded expectations for most revenue groups but that sales tax receipts showed a one‑time correction and, on an economically adjusted basis, were down roughly 2.7 percent year over year. Korach reported total general‑fund spending at about 47 percent of budget to date and a working budget figure that includes carry forwards and encumbrances.
As part of the midyear review, staff recommended and council approved one‑time appropriations totaling about $490,000 in the general fund (including $150,000 to cover temporary ambulance services while neighboring Oceanside resolves staffing issues and $200,000 for a medical‑transport reimbursement program). Non‑general fund requests — about $275,000 — largely covered vehicle purchases and outfitting for the Carlsbad Municipal Water District and vegetation/sediment removal from concrete channels.
Council members asked whether the ambulance funding would be ongoing; Korach said the intention is that the $150,000 is one‑time and Oceanside anticipates correcting its staffing issue by year‑end, but staff would return with requests if additional appropriations become necessary.
Why it matters: The midyear review gives council an updated fiscal snapshot and modest one‑time funding to address public‑safety coverage gaps and operational needs. Staff emphasized conservative budgeting and monitoring as the year continues.
