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City Council Meeting Minutes June 25,2026 <br /> budget public hearings,two tax rate public hearings, and public hearings for <br /> any potential fee increases. <br /> City Manager Reyes emphasized that the city's deliberate and thoughtful <br /> approach throughout the process had allowed staff to develop a structurally <br /> balanced budget despite significant fiscal pressures. She summarized the cost <br /> reduction measures implemented over the past year: managing staffing levels <br /> by holding over 20 positions vacant, offering a retirement incentive that <br /> resulted in 20 positions being eliminated and approximately$2,000,000 in <br /> savings, bringing recruitment services in house to reduce executive search <br /> costs,and reviewing motor pool and take home vehicle policies. City Manager <br /> Reyes acknowledged that even with these changes, community expectations for <br /> service delivery had remained the same, and that the city was striving to <br /> provide the same level of service with a leaner workforce. She further <br /> recognized that the same cost drivers and inflation affecting city operations <br /> were also affecting residents, and expressed appreciation for the Council's <br /> consideration of the tax rate scenarios to be presented. She noted that the rate <br /> would be formally set at the August meeting . City Manager Reyes concluded <br /> her introductory remarks by thanking Director Jon Locke and the budget <br /> team, headed by Trisha Patek, for their diligent preparation of the budget <br /> materials. <br /> Budget Process and Community Engagement <br /> Director of Finance Jon Locke emphasized this was the final workshop before <br /> the proposed budget is submitted August 18th, making it the last major <br /> opportunity for Council to provide direction on the proposed budget. After <br /> submission,changes can still be made, but the framework will be set. Director <br /> Locke outlined the remaining schedule: Council sets the maximum tax rate <br /> on August 18th,the Neighborhood Commission reviews the budget on August <br /> 19th, and public hearings on the budget and tax rate will occur on September <br /> 1st and 15th,with adoption also on September 15th of the budget,tax rate,and <br /> Capital Improvements Plan. The certified tax roll will arrive on July 25th, <br /> which determines key general fund revenue assumptions. He reiterated that the <br /> budget is structured around the Council's five strategic goals: Quality of Life <br /> & Sense of Place; Economic Vitality; Public Safety, Core Services & Fiscal <br /> Excellence; Mobility & Connectivity; And Environmental Protection. <br /> Mr. Locke next noted that it is staff's intention is to submit a budget in August <br /> that reflects Council's direction and priorities, noting there were multiple town <br /> hall meetings held for input. <br /> City of San Marcos Page 2 <br />