During a recent government meeting, council members discussed critical budgetary issues, emphasizing the need for a healthy reserve and a rainy day fund to prepare for unexpected downturns. Council member Grace Matsui highlighted the importance of balancing the budget while ensuring that staffing and labor, which are significant budget contributors, remain a priority.

The council acknowledged the ongoing budget deficit and the anticipated staff reductions in 2025 as part of efforts to close the budget gap. A detailed budget book, featuring visual aids such as graphs and pie charts, is expected to be prepared for review next week. The first reading of the budget is scheduled for October 24, following a town hall meeting on October 22, where community members will have the opportunity to provide input and feedback.

The council plans to incorporate public comments and new ideas into the budget process, including considerations for warehouse and utility taxes. A second public hearing is set for November 21, with the goal of adopting the budget by then, although a final decision could extend into December if necessary.

In addition to budget discussions, the council is organizing a vision, mission, and values retreat on November 14, aimed at guiding future decisions. This retreat will follow the November vote but precede the second reading of the budget, underscoring the council's commitment to transparency and community engagement in the budgeting process.