City Council Adopts Balanced Budget for FY 2021 – 2023
June 23, 2021 1:50 PM
Note: A correction has been made to the pickleball and Reed Park ambassador descriptions.
Last night, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously adopted a balanced biennial budget for FY 2021–2023 focused on community priorities of a safe and clean Santa Monica, addressing homelessness, and an equitable and inclusive economic recovery. Adoption of the Biennial Budget comes as Santa Monica emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic and cultivates a revitalized local economy that reflects and serves our diverse community.
“We are beginning to see the results of our hard work of responding to pandemic-related revenue impacts and stabilizing the government at lower revenue and spending levels. And I am thrilled that Santa Monica’s emerging recovery is now abundantly visible on our thriving streets,” said Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “This Biennial Budget remains impacted by the pandemic and we appreciate the patience of the community in understanding that City spending and activities cannot yet return to 2019 levels, but Santa Monica is well on its way to its bright future and on the rise from here.”
The overall FY 2021-22 Budget is $707.8 million and FY 2022-23 Budget is $598.9 million, net of reimbursements and transfers. This is a difference of $2.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, over what was presented in the initial proposed budget on May 25. Of this amount, $365,000 is due to a small adjustment reflecting the final ARPA allocation of $28.6 rather than $29.3 million as originally forecasted. $0.7 million in FY 2021-22 and $0.9 million in FY 2022-23 is offset by an increase in revenues, and $0.46 million is covered using identified savings from the current fiscal year.
The FY 2021-23 Biennial Budget addresses community priorities and is responsive to community needs identified in Budget Study Sessions on May 25 and 26. Programs and services included in the FY 2021- 23 Biennial Budget include:
- One-time funds to enhance clean and safe services on the Santa Monica Pier, Colorado Esplanade, and beach area during busy summer weekends;
- Continuation of multidisciplinary homeless engagement street teams;
- Two new Community Services Department positions to engage with regional partners to address homelessness;
- A two-year Community Response Unit program pilot focused on homelessness response and service providing in the Fire Department;
- Funds for upgrades to City permitting and leasing systems;
- Funds to support formation of a possible BID on the Santa Monica Pier;
- A rent abatement program to support small Santa Monica businesses;
- Funds to support ICE at Santa Monica;
- Additional Code Enforcement Officers at the Pier;
- Continuation of the ambassador program at Reed Park with more specially trained staff;
- Weekly street sweeping beginning in September;
- A Park Planner;
- Emergency economic assistance for vulnerable Santa Monicans;
- Expanded Library services, including two Librarian I positions and one Library Program Specialist - Youth and Family Services position;
- Grants for arts and culture and social service partners;
- Funds to support the School District’s youth sports program;
- Crossing guards at additional locations throughout the City; and
- Funds to support Swim Center Sunday and Monday operations.
In response to community concerns regarding pickleball access and facilities, this week courts at Memorial Park began opening one hour earlier at 7 a.m. Monday-Friday. This schedule will be in place through 8/13. The approved Park Planner position will address longer-term access to pickleball in Santa Monica. The Council also provided $20,000 in additional funding to neighborhood groups from Council discretionary funding.
Council also approved changes to some permit and user fees, fines and civil penalties, and parking rates to reflect cost recovery.
The Adopted Biennial Budget will be posted to https://finance.smgov.net/budgets-reports/annual.
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov