Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Study Session on Proposed Operating Budget

Suggested looking into contracting police and fire services like neighboring cities and exploring the sale of vacant city-owned properties and the airport.

Advocated for protecting frontline staff in police, fire, and economic development, utilizing limited reserves, and studying a charter city framework and regional service consolidation.

Expressed opposition to privatizing city services, selling property, or cutting essential departments, and called for focusing on economic development.

Thanked staff for the budget workshops and emphasized that budgets are moral documents that reflect community values and need to protect city employees.

Criticized council leadership for the budget deficit and urged against significant cuts to public safety, libraries, and public works.

Suggested cutting expensive events like First Night and Fourth of July fireworks if funds are tight, and noted low participation in the resident budget survey.

Appreciated the department breakdown in the budget report, opposed using reserves, and supported a dedicated road tax with a sunset clause.

Shared personal stories of how police and fire departments saved her family, emphasizing the critical importance of municipal services.

Argued Fullerton's problem is revenue, not spending, and suggested cutting council health benefits, allowing cannabis shops, and boosting economic development.

Discussed the history of Fullerton's fire department decisions and urged council members to work together instead of fighting.

Opposed contracting out police and fire services, warning it hurts response times, and urged council unity.

Supported keeping the in-house paramedic service and opposed any privatization of the water department.