Budget

How are expenditures determined?
One of the most important tasks that City staff undertakes is formulating a budget for the upcoming year.  Every other year, the City of Del Mar produces an operating budget that covers a two-year time period and a capital budget covering five years to ensure that future needs of the City are anticipated. (By State law, Council can legally only adopt a one-year budget; so,  the budget preparation is reduced in the second year to an update of the projections prepared in the first year.  This method of budgeting results in a significant savings in the second year in both staff time and budget production costs without affecting the Council’s ability to provide direction or the citizen’s ability to provide input, which is described below.

Each department submits its budget request to the Finance Department. The City Manager reviews the requests with the Finance Director and each Department Head.  In May, the City Manager submits the proposed budget to the City Council for review.

Budget workshops are held every year, which allows Del Mar residents to provide input and be involved in the budget process.  For more information on how you can get involved, please contact the Finance Department at (858) 755-9354.

How do I obtain a copy of the current budget?
Copies of the budget are available at the Finance Counter M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $15. The City will mail a budget if requested, with an additional charge for postage.  You may also view a copy of the budget at the Del Mar library or City Hall. Budget summaries and periodic reviews are available on the Budget and Financial Report page in the Government section .

How do I obtain a copy of the current Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)?
Copies of the CAFR are available for $10 and are available at the Finance Counter M-F, 8 a.m. –5 p.m.  We will mail a CAFR if requested, with additional charge for postage. It is also posted on the Budget and Financial Report page in the Government section of the City website.