City proposing to ax 22 positions - including librarians, planners and police

"The proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes other belt-tightening measures, such as raising admission fees for the Junior Museum and Zoo, trimming the contract for school crossing guards, and reducing landscape maintenance at city properties."

"The city's general fund - which covers day-to-day services - is facing a $17 million deficit partly due to reduced sales tax revenue and property tax revenue growing more slowly than expected."

"At the same time, the city is facing new expenses, including hiring professional safety monitors to watch the city's four railroad crossings 24 hours a day in an effort to reduce suicides."

Palo Alto's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 includes cutting 22 positions, including librarians and police personnel, amid a $17 million deficit. The budget, totaling $1.05 billion, reflects a $19.3 million increase from the previous year. To address financial challenges, the city plans to raise fees for the Junior Museum and Zoo, reduce landscape maintenance, and trim school crossing guard contracts. New expenses include hiring safety monitors for railroad crossings and managing RV parking on city streets.

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