Santa Monica metropolis leaders are being requested to declare a fiscal emergency as a result of metropolis’s ongoing funds disaster, in keeping with a metropolis agenda.
A workers report for Tuesday’s Metropolis Council agenda cites a number of challenges, together with authorized payouts associated to a infamous alleged sexual abuser who labored for town.
Town has paid out greater than $229 million in settlements regarding sexual abuse by Eric Uller, a former Santa Monica police dispatcher. Town faces extra abuse claims from over 180 claimants, in keeping with the report.
Uller labored with girls and boys at a police nonprofit’s after-school program. In line with a 2018 report by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Division, a number of former Santa Monica metropolis staff instructed detectives they reported Uller’s misconduct, The Occasions reported in 2023.
Companies in Santa Monica are additionally struggling, in keeping with the report. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, metropolis leaders slashed town’s funds and eradicated lots of of positions. Metropolis companies haven’t been restored to pre-pandemic ranges, and a number of other capital tasks stay unfunded.
Santa Monica’s lately authorised funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal 12 months expects expenditures of $484.3 million, however $473.5 million in income, the report states.
The report additionally cites latest and proposed modifications by the federal authorities, together with tariffs and mass deportations, that would have an effect on the native and nationwide economies.
Santa Monica public info supervisor Lauren Howland declined to touch upon Tuesday’s agenda merchandise.
It’s not clear why town may make this declaration. On the whole, cities could declare an emergency to offer them larger flexibility to take motion.
At a March assembly to debate the disaster, metropolis leaders spoke in express and dire phrases concerning the metropolis’s future.
“I’m afraid that we’re careening in direction of chapter, and I’m fearful that we’re pondering somewhat small right here,” stated Councilmember Dan Corridor, in keeping with the Santa Monica Lookout. “Except this council takes very daring motion, we’re not going to price appropriate.”
In April, Santa Monica ended negotiations with Olympics organizers to host seashore volleyball throughout the 2028 Video games.
A examine launched in October discovered that being a venue metropolis would lead to a web lack of $1.45 million for Santa Monica. Nonetheless, Santa Monica might see a $10-million revenue from tourism generated by the Video games.
Los Angeles can also be combating rising authorized payouts, a discount in metropolis companies and better expenditures due partly to worker raises.
