City Council approves budget that restores staffing and services to pre-pandemic levels

The Costa Mesa City Council on Tuesday, June 15, unanimously approved a $197.9 million Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 that restored core services while incorporating key strategies that chart a distinct path towards economic resilience for both near and long-term.

The adopted budget, themed “Charting the Path to Recovery,” provides for strategic investments in Citywide infrastructure, restores staffing and services to pre-pandemic levels, and maximizes Federal stimulus dollars while the global, national and regional economies recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

“In this budget you see the product of the persistence of the Council Members who were elected in 2018, such as funding for the arts, active transportation, youth programs, and capital improvements on the Westside,” Mayor John Stephens said. “I’m also pleased with the long-term efforts to improve our information technology and city assets such as the golf course as well as investments in police training facilities and fire apparatuses. I am proud to support this budget and thank the budget team, Finance Director Carol Molina and City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison and everyone who played a part in making this budget happen.”

The balanced budget was inspired by the new Mission Statement and five strategic planning goals that were developed at the January 2021, City Council Strategic Planning workshop.

This budget addresses City Council’s mission statement for a safe, inclusive and vibrant City.  It provides grants to Costa Mesa families experiencing financial hardship to participate in the Parks and Community Services programs; and fully funds Year One of the Council-adopted Arts and Culture Master Plan

Further, the approved budget includes funding for 530 full-time employees, restores General Fund cuts taken in FY 2020-21, allots for capital improvement projects at $24.5 million, over half dedicated to streets, information technology improvements, funding to administer Measure Q, and designates over 53% of the General Fund to public safety.

For additional details on the adopted budget click here to read the staff report.