Tiburon adopts budget as calls for financial transparency grow

The Tiburon Town Council is following through on directing some $2 million in new park spending in next year’s budget, even as residents — and two of its own members — press for greater financial transparency, faster audits and a citizen finance committee to watch over town spending.

The council voted unanimously June 17 to adopt the $27.88 million budget for fiscal 2026-2027, which begins July 1. The budget carries operating expenditures of $19.13 million against $19.15 million in operating revenue, a surplus of $21,642.

On the council’s direction after its June 3 review of the draft, the final budget made two main changes. It dropped a planned $500,000 repair of the Elephant Rock fishing pier, leaving that money unspent in reserves, and it steered $2 million into a discretionary set-aside fund for parks and the Old Rail Trail. With the transfer, the fund is expected to reach $2.12 million by June 30, 2027, up from a projected $1.18 million on July 1. As in past years, the budget vote was initially placed on the council’s consent calendar, reserved for routine items approved in bulk without discussion. Councilmember Holli Thier pulled the item, saying written public comments had resonated with her. They included those from residents Evan Segal and Colin Crawford, who raised questions in letters and at the meeting about transparency, audits and the need for an appointed finance committee.

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