Bob Stonebrook is a small business owner in Carlsbad.

County voters should mark their calendars for May 15, 2026. That Friday morning, as you sip your coffee, take a moment to reflect on whether your County Supervisor and your county government are making you proud. Also, since around that time the county will be finalizing its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, it will be an ideal moment to ask: What was achieved this year by changing the county’s reserve fund policy?

That answer is already predictable. Changing the reserve policy has triggered contractually obligated one-time payments to county employees. The board will have no choice but to approve those payments — or lose in court. But here’s the catch: any other use of those funds this year requires four votes. That fourth vote is

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