A Budget That Reflects Our Values

A Budget Like a Symphony

The last 5 months, I’ve come to see the development of a city budget like preparing for a symphony performance. I’ve had the privilege of watching an incredibly talented orchestra practicing their craft. At the podium were Finance Director Jamye Fields leading City staff—providing precision, clarity, and structure. Mayor Pro Tem Delves and Councilperson Buder, as members of the Financial Stewardship Committee, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to elevate the work and refine the score. The rest of the Council contributed ideas, questions, and insight. And most importantly, the public played its part—through feedback, engagement, and sharing expectations. What emerged was not just a financial plan, but a performance that reflects who we are and what we value.

Focused on What Matters

This budget introduces a more disciplined, transparent process—one designed not just to keep the lights on, but to shine a light on our priorities. It includes stronger financial controls and prioritized capital investments that residents will actually experience: safer sidewalks, restored beach stairways, beautification projects, improved roads, forest management, and public infrastructure that reflects the care this town deserves.

Reinvesting in Carmel

Residents have told us clearly: take care of what we have. That’s what this budget does. After years of rising operational costs that crowded out physical improvements, we are now shifting course—directing resources toward things that will endure,  and enhance daily life and make our town safer. It’s not about expansion; it’s about preservation and thoughtful reinvestment in the soul of Carmel.

Built with Discipline and Heart

This year’s approach also includes new tools and tracking measures that will help ensure accountability. The budget reflects both improved fiscal discipline and honoring community values—two things that don’t always align easily. But when they do, the result is powerful. This was not a rushed or routine process. It was thoughtful, collaborative, and built for long-term benefit.

The Sound of Progress

The signs are already there. Residents are more engaged and positive. City staff is energized by a clear sense of purpose. Our volunteer groups are stepping up to play their part. And now we have a budget that gives that energy direction. It’s a budget that says: we’re not just managing the present—we’re building a foundation for the future. 

Challenges Still Ahead—But We’re Listening and Alert

Like most cities in California, we still face serious challenges: large deferred pension obligations, aging infrastructure, and the need for significant long-term investment. But we are now being more honest about the future and have a much more transparent and realistic view of our situation—and a team that is marching in lockstep to better understand it and take smart, deliberate actions to address it.

As Mayor, I am proud of how this team came together in just five months to produce an end product  that—while not perfect by any means—is a remarkable example of what can be accomplished when everyone is pulling together, putting in the time, and staying focused on what truly matters.

Carmel doesn’t need to be reinvented. It needs to be restored, reinvested in, and respected. This budget is a strong step in that direction. And as Mayor, it has been a joy to watch our team—staff, council, and community—each playing their parts clearly and in harmony.

To hear a podcast version of this column, visit cli.re/budget.

Dale Byrne, Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea

dbyrne@cbts.us