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Portola Valley manager outlines midyear priorities, staffing and budget posture
Summary
Town manager Darcy Smith told the council the town completed six of ten priority goals, highlighted progress on audits and recruitment, flagged fiscal stability work including a potential ballot measure timeline, and warned the council of a new 15-day ADU plan-check requirement from the state.
Darcy Smith, Portola Valley’s town manager, gave a midyear update on the council’s implementation priorities and the current fiscal outlook, telling the council the town has completed six of ten specified items and is making progress on the rest.
Smith highlighted recent operational wins — recruitment of a town clerk and town engineer, progress on audits, improved public project transparency and launch of software and process reviews in planning and building. She said the town is preparing a midyear budget amendment for council review on January 27 and identified fiscal stability work that could lead to a ballot measure consideration for November 2026 if council directs it.
On staffing and process, Smith said planners are documenting standard operating procedures and that the new planning and building director, Sarah course, is leading efforts to stabilize permitting and customer service. She also flagged a recent state mandate requiring a 15-day turnaround for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plan checks that will require process changes and use of consultants as needed.
Council members thanked staff for progress and asked clarifying questions about a reported $170,000 reduction in the sheriff contract and other contract amendments; Smith said staff will return with midyear budget proposals and any contract amendments for council consideration.
The manager closed by noting safety-element work, resilience planning and planned community outreach on fiscal priorities; council signaled general support for the staff’s plan to bring more detailed midyear budget items back for formal action.
