CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Carpinteria leaders are warning that the city’s budget is under increasing pressure, with law enforcement costs consuming a large share of local resources. At Monday night’s State of the City address, City Manager Michael Ramirez said the city’s contract with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office costs $6.5 million and now makes up 40 percent of the general fund. He added the contract is rising faster than revenues, increasing 7 percent last year and another 5 percent this year. Ramirez also said officials may eventually ask voters to approve new assessment districts or taxes if finances do not improve. “First and foremost, the council’s goal is to accommodate growth while maintaining our small beach town character,” he said.