Dear Carpinterians,

Our City is on track to pass a 2022/23 budget that will fund ALL the programs and services that our residents have become accustomed to—and then some! As your mayor, it is a point of pride as well as a huge relief to be able to say that. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged us with reduced revenues and increased need, and we tightened our belt in many areas to focus on keeping our community safe, helping our businesses survive and moving forward with the daily business of operating a municipality.

The Proposed Budget for 2022/23 represents a page turn from the darkest days of the pandemic. In this budget, we’re able to restore the reserves that allow us to handle unforeseen setbacks or needs, and we can fund some new and exciting services, programs and capital projects. Please read the budget article below for more detail about our financial expectations for the upcoming fiscal year.

Though it’s just one of the many great programs included in the budget, I would like to draw your attention briefly to Carpinteria Summer Wellness for Teens. This is an incredible line-up of free classes (cooking, hiking, podcasting, and much more) that are coordinated by a group of local agencies and organizations who are paying attention to the terrifying rise in teen suicide and recognize that Carpinteria teens could use more opportunities for emotional growth and positive social outlets. The deadline to sign up for classes is fast approaching, so I encourage you to talk to any teens in your life about registering. Scroll down for more information.

Lastly, our Junior Lifeguard program starts next week thanks to the availability of reserves to fund the program to include all applicants. With all these activities happening and the increase of traffic from visitors, I ask you to please drive extra cautiously as children throughout town leave their homes on bikes and scooters and on foot to get to our City Beach for the 9:30 a.m. start of this popular program. Carpinteria is a special place where kids can feel safe making their daily commute to the beach!

Stay Well and Stay Safe,

Mayor Wade Nomura

Proposed 2022/23 City Budget Anticipates Recovery & Return to Healthy Revenues

The City of Carpinteria has completed its Proposed 2022/23 Budget, which projects rebounding revenues and recovery of pandemic losses plus full funding for all existing and new services, expanded support for community safety net services, work on significant advanced planning and important capital improvement and facilities maintenance projects. 

Approximately $31.8 million in total expenditures are projected for the City of Carpinteria in 2022/23. A new service is the City’s operation of the Carpinteria Community Library, an $857,850 expense funded almost entirely by Measure X, the 1.25% sales tax approved by voters in 2018. In addition, the Proposed Budget includes $200,000 to support local community service providers that provide a safety net for residents during emergencies, and $250,000 to help address pandemic impacts to small businesses. The Proposed Budget also includes funding to construct the Carpinteria Skate Park, considerable pavement restoration work and deferred maintenance projects at Parks and the Community Pool.

Sales tax and transient occupancy taxes (lodging taxes) are key City revenue sources now projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels. Also in 2022/23, the second half of the $3.2 million designated for the City from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) will be received to assist in covering pandemic-related costs and reduced revenues. In total, the Proposed 2022/23 Budget projects $26.9 million in revenues. Despite marked increases, revenues in 2022/23 are projected to be lower than expenditures primarily due to the amount of capital project spending planned for the upcoming year. These projects are funded mainly through special funds and grants, some of which are received in a different fiscal year than they are spent.   

The first City Council budget hearing was held on June 13. Upcoming budget hearing will take place on June 23 at 3 p.m., and June 27 at 5:30 p.m. The budget is available for review HERE. 

Don't Miss: Free & Fun Summer Classes for Teens

This summer, local teens have an exciting opportunity for fun, growth, learning and adventure. Carpinteria Summer Wellness for Teens is a new free program made possible through the collaborative efforts of several local agencies and a grant from the City of Carpinteria. It is designed to provide Carpinteria kids aged 12-18 with high-quality summer classes that are educational and social. Most classes meet once a week in Carpinteria, and students can sign up for any number of courses that interest them. Registration for the cooking class closes today, Friday, June 17, but students may register for drama, hiking, podcasting, multi-media journaling and letter writing through Monday, June 20. Parent permission is required to participate. It’s easy to sign up; simply fill out the form HERE. Learn more by emailing [email protected].

Click here to View the More Information About City of Carpinteria Newsletter - June 17, 2022