Costa Mesa City Council Study Session May 12, 2026

The City of Costa Mesa held a City Council Study Session on May 12, 2026, focused primarily on reviewing the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget. The session included detailed presentations by city staff on revenue projections, expenditure assumptions, and capital improvement projects. Key procurement-related discussions involved the allocation of approximately $22 million for city parks, streets, transportation networks, and other infrastructure, including bond financing plans for the renovation of Fire Station Number Two. The budget also addressed staffing changes, including the freezing of 14 positions to achieve cost containment and a 2% attrition factor across departments. The council discussed the arts and cultural master plan, with plans to award a contract for its preparation and concerns raised about funding and staffing for arts programs. Public safety funding was highlighted, with 55% of the general fund dedicated to this area, and discussions on managing police and fire department overtime. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining a structurally balanced budget without dipping into reserves and requested ongoing monitoring of key revenue sources such as sales tax and transient occupancy tax. Several council members expressed interest in more granular tracking of overtime costs and the impact of capital projects on transportation congestion. The session concluded with public comments and council remarks supporting fiscal discipline while advocating for adequate funding of core services and the arts.