Balancing Priorities and Budgets for our Village
 
Our Village has a public process and dedicated web page for our budget, priorities and supporting documentation. Plesas visit this important City Budget page HERE. https://ci.carmel.ca.us/budget The final approved reports for each fiscal year - beginning July 1 and ending June 30th - are very readable/understandable.
FYI - HERE is a great resource providing compensation of public officials throughout California, Mayors, Council, City Managers and other top pay positions within City's, County etc. It is important and relevant when considering comparisons - the responsibilities, city size, location, population, budget, staffing and other factors.
May 12 2026 4PM - Special City Council FY26/27 Budget & Priorities Workshop
HERE is the Workshop Packet (all documents)
HERE is the Staff Report on the Draft Budget
HERE is the full DRAFT Budget Book
HERE is the Staff Report on the Strategic Priorities Update
HERE is the Clean (no markups) of the Strategic Priorities Roster
May 5 & 6 2026 - City Council Meetings - Budget & Tax items
May 5th - Council
HERE is the Staff report on the Sale Tax proposed ballot measure for November
HERE is the YouTube that begins with the Sales Tax topic. And after a break, they reconveined HERE to explore the TOT item (see findings)
HERE is the Staff report on the TOT (tax) proposed ballot measure for November
Findings: During the Sales Tax discussion, Council also mentioned their concerns on two tax items on the ballot as well as their current (not final) preferences should the consensus be to have only 1 Tax measure on our ballots. Both of these items will receive added adjustments to the ballot language and prepare the ballot supporting arguements to consider these for the Voter Guides. There was no clarification on if/who/how any desenting counter point can be prepared.
HERE is the Staff report on the next Tri Annual actual Budget Report FY 25/26
HERE is the YouTube that begins with this topic
Findings: Council expressed appreciation for this interium report and supported their funded requested adjustments. The Capital Expense item in the future needs to clarify what actual $'s are spend from prior year's rollover versus this years project funded expenses.
HERE is the Staff Report on City Partner Presentations and Fiscal year 2026/2027 budget requests -from Chamber of Commerce, Visit Carmel, See Monterey
HERE are the slides presented by each organization during this budget focused meeting
May 6th - Council (HERE is the full agenda packet)
HERE is the Staff report to adopt the FY 26/27 proposed Fee schedule
HERE is the YouTube on this topic.
HERE is the FY 26/27 Draft Budget staff report that will be highlighted
HERE is the full DRAFT Budget book
HERE is the YouTube from this topic
Findings: Council provided expanded comments on this topic, in advance of the deep dive Budget Review on May 12, 4PM. Today was not a decision making, but was a preview. Please view the Youtube for details. The original approach was to review a 90/10 and a 85/15 operational/capital spend mix to choose. The only proposed budget has a 84% spend for Operations and a 16% spend for Capital Projects. If approved as presented these expense items will be impacted - with more details provided for the May 12th review.
April 6 & 7 2026 - City Council Meetings - Budget Related Topics
Press:
4/9/2026 Summary of all Budget topics - in article of Monterey County Weekly HERE
4/7/2026 H.Buder's slides presented on the goal of $10M/year investments needed for deferred maintenance backlog HERE
Monday 4/6 Items
- Explore New Revenue Options, plus a potential 2026 Sales Tax Increase November Ballot Measure
HERE is the staff report.
HERE is the consultants report on findings (that briefly includes the TOT item being covered on Tuesday)
HERE are the City Staff Slides
HERE are the Consultants Slides - that extend beyond what was included in the pre-meeting report
HERE is the YouTube of the meeting beginning with this topic
Findings: This was discussion only with guidance provided. Most of the Council supported proceeding with the next steps on Sales Tax, Paid Parking, and tomorrows TOT. Plus are looking for more future options on Bonds (concerns on GO this type), Grants, Charitable funding (e.g. like Harrison Memorial Library) and others as we get closer to preparing for the PD/PW building specifics. Additionally there was discussions on options for funding if were are/were a Charter City, which would be a longer term consideration - but only actively persued after the November election.. Learn more HERE about the differences between our current General Law v. Charter City designations.
- Consideration FY2026 –2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), with requested direction for Accelerated Street Improvements
HERE is the staff report.
HERE is the 5 year CIP plan
HERE is the FY26/27 CIP proposed budget
HERE is the year 2 & 3 for the 5 Year plan
HERE is the street options 2 & 3 yearly comparrisons
HERE is the Preliminary Estimate on the Deferred Maintenance
HERE is the YouTube beginning with this topic
HERE are the Slides used for this topic
Findings: Council generally supported the current propsal based on heavy interaction on many individual items. As the budget approval cycles continue - added clarification may be needed. Regarding the Street improvements - there was some alignment for the 10 year plan was the preference.
- Review and Approval of the Comprehensive Schedule of Fees for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
HERE is the staff report.
HERE is the proposed Fee Schedule
HERE is the Fee Study Report and Appendices
HERE is the YouTube beginning with this topic
HERE are the Slides as presented
Findings: Council generally supported these recommended fees, based on a cost recovery model....with the exception of requested decreases for Tree permitting. These will come before the Council again for final approvals in May or June.
Tuesday 4/7 Item
- Discussion and review of potential increase the City’s TOT - Transient Occupancy Tax from 10% to 12% and direction on the proposed November ballot measure.
HERE is the staff report
HERE is the analysis prepared by the Carmel Inns team as of 4/2/2026, HERE is a an updated Appendix F supplement as of 4/4/2026
Findings: Council is generally supportive of moving ahead on this Ballot directions, while the Carmel Inns Association argues the advantages and revenue contributions the existing rate as they deliver to the City coffers.
March 24 2026 - City Council Priorities, Capital Projects & Budget Forecast
HERE is the YouTube from this meeting
HERE is the full agenda, staff reports etc. Topics Included:
1. FY 2024/2025 Annual Financial Report for year ending June 20, 2025 ~150 pages <-- full of interesting facts HERE
2. Strategic Priorities review and provide direction <-- this item postponed
3. Five Year Financial Forecast review and provide direction
4. FY 2026/27 CIP Program and 5 Year plan review and provide direction
Findings: Questions and discussions, especially covering the #3 and #4 topics. This meeting was the first opportunity to provide feedback and general guidance. Additional reviews will follow in the coming weeks - as per the budget planning timeline HERE.
(My (N.Twomey) comment at Council, requested they consider prioritization of projects on the CIP plans due to current capacity constraints.)
February 3 2026 - Strategic Priority Roster Prioritization & TOT Increase Discussion at City Council
Strategic Priorities Topic
HERE is the Staff Report
HERE is a Clearn Version Priorities for markups
These are the YouTube links for the two segments of the agenda on this topic a) HERE and then reconveined b) HERE
City Administrator is requesting ranking/prioritization with capacity considerations.
Findings: This was a detailed discussion reviewing the roster. It may be best to wait for the summary to be provided by Staff.
TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) Increase for possible fall Ballot Measure
HERE is the Staff Report, covers background, ballot timeline and comparisons.
This topic objective is to explore this for a possible increase in revenue item.
HERE is the analysis prepared by the Carmel Inns team as of 4/2/2026, HERE is a an updated Appendix F supplement as of 4/4/2026
HERE is the YouTube video starting with this topic
HERE is the Carmel Pine Cone Issue Feb 6 2026 - cover article "Council seeks boost in tax on hotels and their guests"
Findings: This concluded with the Council supporting (4 Yes/1 No) the process to produce a Ballot Measure Draft with a 2% increase of TOT. There were significant push backs from the Hotel community plus - including the likely negative impacts and the strengths of the current $'s in TOT now due to capital improvements of their Inns and Hotels.
CRA Public Comment at City Council: As captured in the 2/6/2026 Pine Cone Article, on behalf of the Board, we should not rush into considering a TOT increase (without added information on the pro/con, risks and implications of this action), especially without initial exploration of the full roster of incremental revenue possibilities. This future list of revenue options can, of course, include TOT.
January 22nd 2026 - Strategic Priorities Community Workshop 10am-3:30pm at Carmel Womans Club
This session is lead by City Administrator Brandon Swanson, with City Council and City Directors. ~70 attended.
HERE is the full agenda packet
HERE is the YouTube from this expanded session
HERE are the Slides as reviewed live
HERE is just the Agenda staff report
HERE is the Priority Tracker with all Goals
HERE is the Priority and Strategy list (shortened from above)
HERE is the "From the Mayors Desk" column, page 22, in the Carmel Pine Cone 1/9/2026, regarding his thoughts on this upcoming workshop.
January 12th 2026 City Council - First of "Tri-Annual Reports" Budget Report & CalPERS UAL update
This TriAnnual Report was postponed from December to this January City Council
HERE is the YouTube for both of these Council topics - beginning with CalPERS topic then the TriAnnual Report
HERE is the Staff Report on the Tri-Annual Report prepared by our Finance Director
HERE are the slides with 4 months (July through October) of actual FY 2025/2026 results
HERE are the slides from Council Member Buder & Delves - update on the Financial Stewardship Workgroup
HERE is the staff report on the CalPERS UAL prepared by our Finance Director
HERE are the slides from the CalPERS Unfunded Actuartial Liability/UAL status and considerations
June 3, 2025 - City Council - FY2025/2026 Budget Book Approval
HERE is the Staff Report prepared in advance with attachments
HERE are the Slides prepared in advance
HERE is the YouTube from this session
HERE is the Carmel Pine Cone 6/13/2025 cover article on this topic, comments & the approval
This full budget was approved by Council, with various follow-up items to follow for future considerations.
May 21 2025 - FY2025/2026 Budget Book - Workshop (Deep Dive)
HERE is the Staff Report prepared in advance with attachments
HERE is the YouTube content from this session
These are the agenda items:
1. Receive the Draft Council Priority Project List and Provide Direction on the Project List HERE
2. Receive a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Recommended Budget and provide direction
3. Second Review of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program and Direction to Staff
May 5 & 6 2025 - City Council Meeting Budget Items
HERE is the Staff Report on updated Budget Policy & Financial Guideline updates & recommendations - a May 5th item
HERE are the Slides for this topic prepared in advance
HERE is the YouTube from this topic
HERE is the Staff Report on the Fee Schedule request for approval - a May 6th item
HERE are the slides for this topic prepared in advance
HERE is the YouTube from this topic, and it continues HERE
HERE is the Staff Report on the draft FY2025/2026 Budget Book.
HERE is a direct link to the Budget Book - a May 6th item
HERE are the slides for this topic prepared in advance
HERE is the YouTube from this topic
April 1, 2025 - Regular City Council - Next Fiscal Year proposed Fee Schedule Topic
HERE is the Staff Report prepared for this review.
HERE is the City Council YouTube of this topic, starting with this topic
March 24, 2025 - City Council Special Meeting - CIP and Budget Forecast for FY 2025/2026
HERE is the advanced Staff Report with multiple attachments, as shown below
1. Recap of the February Council Priorities Workshop and Project List - here
2. Presentation on the Five Year Financial Forecast - here
3. Presentation on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program and Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan - here
4. Presentation on revisions to the Financial Policies - here
HERE is the YouTube from this session.
Feb 27 2025 - Strategic Priorities half yearly Planning Session
The Staff report prepared in advanced for this session is HERE,
HERE are the Slides from this session.
HERE is the YouTube
The prior most Strategic Priorities session was held in March of 2024 (as covered below).
Feb 3 2025 - Special City Council Agenda Item - Reviewing Audit of last years Budget
HERE is the Staff Report prepared in advance of this meeting - to recieve the "Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024"
HERE is the YouTube from this update/review
Jan 7 2025 - Special City Council Topic - Mid Fiscal Year Budget Adjustment Request
HERE is the staff report on the mid year budget report and adjustments that will be reviewed.
HERE is the Youtube recording from this meeting - starting with this topic.
HERE are the slides from this session.
In summary, the requested adjustments were approved except the Sunset Center North Lot Retaining Wall additional $400k ask - requiring additional information and public review. With the new Council members, the was discussion to explore a new goal/budgeting model as we progress into the planning for next year's budget and supporting reprioritization. Especially the current CIP allocations for $'s when the project will cover multiple years. It was also mentioned about a possible future standing committee for budgets, but more to follow.
Dec 3rd 2024 - Regular City Council - 7 year Accomplishments & Report Card on Infrastructure & Facilities
HERE is the Staff report prepared in advance of this meeting
HERE is the Youtube recording of this report - beginning with this topic
HERE are the slides reviewed live in this meeting
This report represents Public Works Director Bob Harary adn team's 7 year efforts as he retires at the end of 2024. This report reflects considerations/priorities for future budget planning in 2025 and beyond.
Thank you Bob! Happy Retirement!
June 4th 2024 - Regular City Council - proposed Budget was Approved
HERE is the Agenda topic Council Agenda staff report prepared in advance for this date.
HERE is the City Council Youtube Video - starting with this agenda topic.
HERE is the Adopted Budget Book
This budget received a 4/1 vote approval. Council and public comments continnued to question various items, especially highlighting the continue use of the unassigned fund balance that is currently expected to be depleted by the 2027/2028 budget year. This is especially concerning as this outlook with require more conservative spending and/or new sources of revenue to address the needs of the Village in the coming years. For now the "catch" up projects (from COVID time budget cuts) are being utilized.
May 21, 2024- Budget Workshop with City Council
Here is the YouTube from this Workshop
Here is the Staff Report prepared in advance of this Workshop (that also provides link to budget book and advanced questions received with responses and more)
Here is the Expense Presentation for this Workshop
Here is the Revenue Presentation for this Workshop
May 7th 2024, Regular City Council - next FY Budget Proposal Introductory Topic
HERE is the proposed FY 2024/2025 Budget Book - that was summarized at the City Council Meeting.
HERE is the Staff Report for this budget summary
HERE are the slides presented providing an overview of the proposed Budget
HERE is the YouTube link from this Council meeting starting with this topic.
April 8th 2024, Regular City Council - ACFR for prior fiscal year.
HERE is the Staff Report for receiving the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. An audited set of findings from the prior year as a baseline for this next cycle of planning - with interesting stats and graphics on this information.
March 28th 2024, Thursday 10AM-2PM - City Budget & Priorites Workshop in Carpenter Hall
HERE is the advanced packet, staff report and listing of prioritites for review during this session and attachments.
HERE is the YouTube Video of this meeting.
HERE are the Slides used in this Workshop.
All items on the list were summarized and discussed in this session, some direction was given on status or ranking. However, as time was running long - they deferred formal shuffling of priorities until a follow-on City Council session - anticipated in May or June.
March 26th 2024, Tuesday 4:30PM - City Council Special Session
HERE is the CIP Staff Report for this special session covering the SECOND REVIEW of our Capital Improvement Plans; this report also contains the presentations reviewed at the March 5th City Council.
March 5th 2024 - City Council Budget Planning updates - half year budget adjustments & first round of Capital Improvement Plans/Budgets
HERE is the full Council Agenda Packet. YouTube link starting with the Mid Year Budget topic is HERE.
HERE are the slides from the Mid Year Budget Report & Adjustment <-- approved by Council 3/5/2024
HERE are the slides from Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) updates for FY 2023/2024 & estimates for 2024/2025 <--decisions pushed to future budget review meeting.
October 2nd 2023 City Council - Strategic Priority Decisions/adjustments were publically reviewed. Staff Report can be found HERE. The YouTube link is HERE.
August 30th 2023 City Council Strategic Planning Workshop - half yearly update is a 5 plus hour session. Meeting details and the Staff Report used for this review can be found HERE. The YouTube link is HERE.
June 6th 2023 - City Council - Adoption of FY 2023/2024 Final Budget. HERE is the Staff Report and attachment with details for this item. HERE is the YouTube link beginning on this topic.
May 16th 2023 - City Council Budget Workshop HERE is the Staff Report with attachments for this session. HERE is the YouTube link for this workshop and a second part of the workshop HERE.
May 2nd 2023 - City Council - Review of FY 2023/2024 Preliminary Proposed Budget and CIP updates. HERE is the Budget Staff Report with detailed attachments for this topic. HERE is the YouTube link beginning of this topic. HERE is the CIP Report updates.
---other update, primarily at City Council were held between January and May-- however they began at this January Session
January 31 2023 - City Council Strategic Planning Workshop HERE is the Staff Report and attachments for this expanded community session. HERE is the YouTube of this 5+ hour session.
March 10 2022 - City Council Strategic Planning Workshop HERE is the Staff Report and attachments for this expanded community session. HERE is the YouTube of this 5 hour session.
May 12 2021 - City Council Strategic Planning Workshop HERE is the Staff Report/Agenda, unable to locate the Video recording.
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