Costa Mesa City Council Meeting June 2, 2026

The City of Costa Mesa held a City Council meeting on June 2, 2026, which included significant discussions on the fiscal year 2026-27 proposed operating and capital improvement budget. Key procurement-related topics included the approval of a $470,000 contract award to Cape Rose Landscaping for the renovation of fields one and two at the Jack Hammet Sports Complex, funded primarily through a special Jack Hammet fund supported by rental fees from professional sports teams. The council also reviewed the reauthorization and levy of the annual assessment for the Business Improvement Area (BIA) covering local hotels, with projected revenues adjusted due to the withdrawal and renovation of some hotels. The proposed city budget totaled approximately $245.9 million, with a 9% increase over the prior year, including $23.6 million allocated for capital improvement projects such as fire station renovations, street and park projects, and IT infrastructure. The budget fully funded public safety staffing, including police and fire departments, but raised concerns about overtime budgeting, which was projected at $1.9 million for police but historically spent around $4 million, indicating a potential shortfall. The council discussed vacancy rates, attrition, and cost containment strategies to manage budget risks. A substitute motion was passed to continue the public hearing and delay budget adoption for two weeks to allow further clarification on vacancies and overtime projections. The meeting also addressed policy decisions such as renaming the Economic and Development Services Department to Community Development to better reflect its scope. Overall, the meeting focused heavily on budget allocations, contract approvals, and financial management strategies impacting future procurement and city services.