Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Development

Expressed strong support for properly staffing and funding Antioch Animal Services, emphasizing that animal control is a core public health and safety function.

Highlighted long-standing vacancies at the animal shelter and urged the city to collaborate with non-profit rescue groups to solve the current animal crisis.

Expressed support for city-funded downtown events like the 4th of July and proposed collaborating with local businesses on fundraising.

Cautioned against cutting animal services funding and recommended establishing formal agreements with the County beforehand to prevent service gaps.

Discussed the feral cat crisis and urged the city to partner with the county for an effective spay and neuter program.

Reported county restrictions on bringing Antioch cats to county spay programs and encouraged forming a community review group.

Expressed disappointment with the lack of genuine community engagement in the budget process and raised financial concerns regarding the Water Park and downtown park projects.