The San Marcos City Council adopted a balanced 2026-27 budget June 9, approving a $103.9 million general fund spending plan that increases investment in public safety, infrastructure and community facilities.
The budget, which takes effect July 1, represents a 6% increase over the current year’s adopted general fund budget, according to a city news release. Officials said the plan was developed through seven public meetings, including review by the Measure Q Citizens Oversight Committee.
The spending plan includes $23.7 million from Measure Q, the 1-cent local sales tax approved by voters in 2024. Those revenues will be separately tracked and are slated to support fire and emergency medical staffing, replacement breathing equipment for firefighters, park landscaping and custodial services, and maintenance of the city’s underground drainage system.
The city also approved a $21.7 million capital improvement program budget for larger construction and repair work. Projects include continued progress toward Fire Station 5 at Las Posas Road and Armorlite Drive, renovations at Fire Station 3, repairs to the Olive Street bridge and street improvement projects.
Additional priorities include expanded street repaving, traffic-flow improvements on San Marcos Boulevard, replacement of the heating and cooling system at Corky Smith Gym, and upgrades at the Community Center, Woodland Park Pool and Williams Barn.
The city said the budget maintains reserves and exceeds its target of setting aside the equivalent of 6% of the general fund annually for future infrastructure needs. Officials identified deferred maintenance as a priority, citing the potential to avoid more costly emergency repairs later.
The final adopted budget is expected to be posted on the city’s website July 1.
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