Across-the-Board Budget Reduction

At a glance

What: Jones's proposal to avoid the property tax increase by cutting General Fund spending 1.6 percent across the board in FY 2027 and 2 percent in FY 2028; Whyte had a 2 percent cut plan.
Where it stands: Not adopted. The one related floor action, a motion to continue the budget vote a week to develop reductions, failed 3-8 on September 17.
Next: None scheduled; several members said future years will force harder revenue choices.

Villagomez said 1.6 percent equals $28.2 million (about $12 million in police and fire, $1.8 million in public works, $1.1 million in parks and $1 million in the library) and 2 percent equals $35.3 million; 1 percent is about $17.5 million.
Walsh said some areas are mandated and could not be cut, so others would be cut more than 1.6 percent; he would likely hold positions vacant or freeze hiring. The proposal would apply to the General Fund only and keep employee raises.

Support: Jones, Whyte, Spears.
Opposed or concerned: Alderete Gavito (objected to the late timing though she opposes the tax increase), Kaur, Castillo (called it irresponsible the day before adoption), Mungia (an abdication of Council's authority; harms District 1 to 5 nonprofits), Viagran, Galvan, McKee-Rodriguez (no consensus on the Mayor's other revenue ideas) and Meza Gonzalez (wanted more time to see impacts).
McKee-Rodriguez showed a forecast in which cuts without revenue increases would eliminate all departments except police, fire, animal care, public works and libraries by 2041 and the ability to fund police and fire by 2049.

Whyte's motion to continue the budget vote to a September 24 B Session and September 25 special meeting failed 3-8.

Extended debate on the 1.6 percent scenario; staff to draft language for a version of the budget incorporating it.

Jones first raised shifting costs to Ready to Work, Hotel Occupancy Tax and TIRZ funds and an across-the-board cut.