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Carson staff present FY 2026–27 budget workshop with modest revenue growth and staffing requests
Summary
At a May 5 workshop, Carson staff presented a structurally balanced FY 2026–27 budget (revenues ~$156.9M; expenditures ~$156.46M), proposed staffing increases that would raise full‑time positions to ~403 FTEs, and outlined follow‑ups on parking revenue and sheriff contract breakdowns.
City finance staff presented Budget Workshop #1 on May 5, outlining a structurally balanced FY 2026–27 operating plan with forecasted revenues of about $156.9 million and proposed general‑fund expenditures of approximately $156.46 million.
Director William Jefferson and revenue staff walked council through revenue forecasts (sales tax, property tax, franchise and utility‑related revenues) and noted a small overall revenue increase (1.1%). Major line items discussed included sales tax projections, a 16.9% increase in the city’s oil business tax forecast driven by prior audit recoveries, and a hotel (Transient Occupancy Tax) forecast remaining flat amid a recent hotel loss offset by other properties. Staff identified $7 million in use‑of‑money and property revenues and flagged fines and fees as a category with a notable forecasted increase.
On the expenditure side, budget staff proposed modest departmental adjustments and a net personnel request that would grow the city’s full‑time complement from about 393 to roughly 403 positions if approved. Requested additions included code‑enforcement positions, administrative analysts, public‑works reclassifications, and several positions intended to support recreation and parks operations; the net impact on salaries and benefits was presented as part of the projections.
Council asked for additional detail on parking fine revenue, the sheriff contract breakdown (to ensure park enforcement deputies are delivering contracted services), and CIP vs. O&M distinctions for public works projects. Staff committed to follow‑up materials and said the next budget workshops will include the CIP presentation and department‑level line‑item details.
What’s next: Staff will return for Budget Workshop #2 with CIP details, follow‑up on parking and sheriff contract breakdowns, and further refinement of position requests.
