San Diegos fiscal mess a warning about shifting red to blue

San Diego mayor Todd Gloria is quickly becoming the poster child of fiscal mismanagement — and a warning about what happens when “red” states and cities go “blue.”The latest debacle involves trash fees.As The California Post reported, thousands of San Diego homeowners were shocked to find that they had been overcharged for trash removal — by $1,000, in some cases.Worse, some homeowners were billed on their property taxes, and not on their regular sanitation bills.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story In some cities, the problem would be seen as an unfortunate technical error.

But in San Diego, the trash fiasco has become a symbol of broader financial problems. This year, San Diego faced a deficit of $118 million, thanks to exploding expenses. Some of those expenses were simply outrageous.As The California Post reported, the city spent 5% of its entire general fund renovating its offices with fancy cubicles and new furniture.California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!Other costs were the result of a massive increase in the ranks of middle management, as Gloria padded the payroll with bureaucrats.Facing an acute cash shortfall, the city tried a number of gimmicks to make ends meet.

One was charging for parking in Balboa Park.Another was canceling the city’s annual Christmas celebrations.Every suggestion was met with public outrage. Fed-up residents voted down tax hikes in June, largely because they do not trust the city to spend the money properly.Now, some are calling for Gloria to step do...