Coming to Carlsbad: Parks with Wi-Fi and Millions More in Operating Budget

's preliminary operating budget for fiscal year 2012-13 totals $199.4 million, which is $5.6 million, or 2.9 percent more than the 2011-12 adopted budget.

The spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1 focuses on several initiatives identified by the City Council at its annual goal setting workshop in January. At the top of the list is fostering a strong local economy and bringing new jobs to the city.  

Other iniatives include:

• meeting the community's need for parks and recreation
• improving traffic flow
• expanding the trail system
• installing free public Wi-Fi at city parks and community centers. 

According to the city, operating revenues are estimated at $205.8 million, which is about a $5.8 million, or 2.9 percent, increase over the current year’s projections.  

The largest part of the operating budget is the general fund, which pays for most day-to-day city services, such as libraries, parks, streets, and police and fire services. 

Next year’s budget eliminates the equivalent of 16 full time positions, bringing the total city workforce reduction since the beginning of the recession to 43 positions.

Next week the city will break ground on a .

The public is invited to a workshop on the city budget Thursday, June 7, at 6 p.m. at 1635 Faraday Ave. At the workshop, attendees will hear an overview of the city’s budget and have an opportunity to ask questions and make comments. Input gathered at the workshop will be provided to the City Council prior to adoption of the final budget.

–City of Carlsbad