SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The City of San Diego is predicting a major budget deficit, potentially shaking up the financial priorities for the city as early as June 30, 2024.
“This is going to be a difficult budget year, there is no way to sugar coat it. We at the City of San Diego like most cities in our community and our state, and frankly in our county, are dealing with deficits. (And) having to deal with the high cost of inflation and higher interest rates,” said San Diego City Mayor Todd Gloria.
Compounding the financial city issues are the recent floods, a lower than expected hotel occupancy tax revenue stream, along with COVID funding that’s drying up. Mayor Gloria said the city needs to get ready for some austerity measures.
“Like San Diegans, we are going to have to tighten our belt. How are we doing that? I’ve asked department directors for a 2% reduction of their spend. A modest amount to maintain core services to equitably share that pain across the organization,” Mayor Gloria continued.
The city council is gearing up for the difficulties and city hiring is expected to slow with all new hires being limited to core city services.
City council member Stephen Whitburn said swift corrective action is the only possible solution to the financial hardships on the future.
“At this point, there is nothing on the chopping block. It looks like we will be fine for this fiscal year, which ends June 30. The real problem is going to be the next fiscal year, and that’s where we are seeing real revenue challenges compared to the revenues we are predicting,” said Whitburn.