Huntington Beach is balancing its next budget by cracking open the piggy bank.
The City Council has unanimously signed off on a $592 million spending plan for fiscal year 2026-27 that leans on reserves to plug an estimated $15 million structural gap. The budget, which takes effect July 1, trims and reshuffles staff positions while aiming to shield core services like police, fire and public works from deeper cuts.
Council members approved the plan and related policy tweaks at their June 16 meeting, adopting Resolution No. 2026-24, according to the city’s meeting agenda. Staff framed the moves as a short-term fix to steady the books while city leaders hunt for longer-term revenue solutions…