Saratoga Council Retreat Focuses on Balanced Budget

City works to manage rising public safety costs while maintaining essential services

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Saratoga City Council held its annual retreat to focus on long-term planning, priorities, and the city's financial health. A significant portion of the retreat centered on the city's contract for protective services with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, which is facing a 33% cost increase for the upcoming fiscal year. The council formed an ad hoc committee to work with the sheriff's office and city staff to explore collaborative solutions, such as phasing in the cost increases or evaluating alternative service delivery models. The council also reviewed the city's Capital Improvement Program, which will see reduced funding due to the increased public safety costs.

Why it matters

Saratoga is facing significant budget constraints due to rising public safety costs, which will impact the city's ability to fund critical infrastructure projects and maintain essential services. The council's retreat and ongoing discussions aim to find a sustainable solution that preserves public safety while also addressing the city's other priorities.

The details

The Saratoga City Council's annual retreat provided an opportunity to focus on long-term planning and the city's financial health. A key issue discussed was the rising costs of the city's contract for protective services with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. For the upcoming fiscal year, the sheriff's office has indicated a 33% increase in costs, totaling an additional $3 million for Saratoga. In response, the council formed an ad hoc committee to work directly with the sheriff's office and city staff to explore collaborative solutions, such as phasing in the cost increases or evaluating alternative service delivery models. The council also reviewed the city's Capital Improvement Program, which will see reduced funding of approximately $1.5 million compared to previous years due to the increased public safety costs.

  • The Saratoga City Council held its annual retreat on January 27, 2026.
  • For the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the city anticipates the total cost for protective services will be approximately $9 million.
  • For the 2026-27 fiscal year, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office has indicated a 33% increase in costs for Saratoga, totaling an additional $3 million.

The players

Saratoga City Council

The governing body of the City of Saratoga, responsible for setting policies, approving the budget, and overseeing the city's operations.

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that provides protective services to the City of Saratoga under a contract.

Ad Hoc Committee

A committee formed by the Saratoga City Council to work directly with the sheriff's office and city staff to explore collaborative solutions to the rising public safety costs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Even as costs increase, the council remains committed to maintaining a balanced budget while continuing to deliver essential services to Saratoga residents.”

— Chuck Page, Saratoga City Council (eastbaytimes.com)

What’s next

The ad hoc committee will continue to work with the sheriff's office and city staff in the coming months to explore collaborative solutions to the rising public safety costs. Updates will be provided at upcoming City Council meetings and in the city's e-newsletter.

The takeaway

Saratoga is facing significant budget constraints due to rising public safety costs, which will impact the city's ability to fund critical infrastructure projects and maintain essential services. The city is committed to finding a sustainable solution that preserves public safety while also addressing the city's other priorities, demonstrating the challenges municipalities face in balancing competing demands on limited resources.