Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Budget
Summary
The city faces a $12.7 million deficit next year even after $3.5 million in cuts, and reserves will shrink to roughly $500,000. Council restored $235,000 for senior meals and pledged to keep working on the budget starting in August.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
A $12.7 million projected deficit with only about $500,000 in unassigned reserves left by the end of FY27 — plus $235,000 restored for senior meals.
Seniors who rely on the nutrition center keep their fuller meal service; all residents depend on the city staying solvent.
Residents may see service cuts and higher fees later as the city works to close the structural deficit.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Regular City Council Meeting
A proposal to reduce the budgets allotted to individual councilmembers was on the agenda — affecting office and travel spending for council offices.
Regular City Council Meeting
The council's individual discretionary budgets — roughly $400,000 a year — could be suspended or eliminated as the city faces a budget deficit. The council agreed 4-1 to debate it October 20; critics call them slush funds and say cuts should start with the council itself.
Regular City Council Meeting
The council was scheduled to review the Business and Fiscal Sustainability Plan covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031, a roadmap for keeping the city's finances healthy over the next five years.
Special City Council Meeting - Closed Session
The city faces a $12.7 million deficit next year even after $3.5 million in cuts, and reserves will shrink to roughly $500,000. Council restored $235,000 for senior meals and pledged to keep working on the budget starting in August.
Special Meeting City Council Budget Workshop
The city's upcoming annual budget was scheduled for its second workshop review, shaping spending on services, staffing, and priorities for National City residents. Details of the proposal were not on the public record from this meeting.
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