News Summary
The Beverly Hills City Council has approved a budget of $662 million for the upcoming fiscal year, marking a $10.4 million increase from last year. The budget prioritizes public safety, with significant investments in various enhancements, including a new public safety kiosk. Additionally, the council postponed a public hearing on a multifamily residence appeal after Rabbi Milikan collapsed during the meeting. Despite criticisms, the budget is designed to address community concerns while planning for future housing developments.
Beverly Hills – The Beverly Hills City Council approved a $662 million budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 during a meeting held on June 17. This budget marks an increase of $10.4 million from the previous fiscal year and was passed with a 4-1 vote, with Vice Mayor John Mirisch dissenting.
The approved budget features 27 areas of enhancements, which total $13.2 million. Among these enhancements, $7.8 million is allocated for one-time costs, which includes $4.5 million earmarked for private security services. Additionally, $5.4 million is set aside for recurring costs, such as $2 million drawn from the General Fund and $0.9 million dedicated to annual tree maintenance services.
Investments in public safety are at the forefront of this budget, with significant funding designated for a public safety kiosk at the new Wilshire/La Cienega Metro station, alongside dedicated police staffing at this location. Mayor Nazarian highlighted public safety as a critical priority, asserting that 53% of the budget is focused on this area.
In other matters, the council postponed a public hearing scheduled for June 17 regarding an appeal by Rabbi Ruben Milikan concerning a proposed multifamily residence at 412 N. Oakhurst Drive. The hearing has been moved to August 5 at the request of Rabbi Milikan, who expressed the necessity for additional time to review the housing proposal’s details and its potential implications for senior residents in the area.
An attorney for Rabbi Milikan submitted a request for a delay of 60 to 90 days, underscoring the need for thorough consideration of the proposal’s effects on local senior citizens. However, a representative for the housing project expressed concerns about continued delays in the planning and development processes.
Further complicating the meeting, Rabbi Milikan collapsed during the proceedings, necessitating a brief recess before the decision to postpone the hearing was finalized.
The council also extended an interim urgency ordinance related to urban lot splits and development of two primary units on single-family lots until May 2026. This extension is intended to provide staff with the necessary time to evaluate and devise permanent regulations in accordance with state laws SB 9 and SB 450, which were passed in 2024. SB 9 mandates that cities approve urban lot splits and constructions of two residential units per single-family lot, pending specific criteria.
Concerns were raised among council members regarding the implications of proposed SB 9 projects in fire hazard-prone areas, particularly in light of the severe wildfires that occurred in Los Angeles during the January months.
The meeting also included discussions about the “No Kings” rally that took place in Beverly Hills and other cities. Councilmember Lester Friedman recognized the city’s effective management of the situation.
The newly approved budget results in a projected surplus of $1.9 million in city revenue, despite forecasts suggesting potential deficits in the coming fiscal years, with estimates of $15 million in the next year and $20 million in the following year. Councilman Mirisch voiced criticism of the budget, believing the city could optimize its expenditures for greater value.
Overall, the budget allows for essential enhancements that prioritize safety and service improvements while addressing community concerns regarding ongoing housing developments and local regulations.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: City Council Approves Budget
- Wikipedia: Beverly Hills
- Beverly Press: Beverly Hills Council Approves $662 Million Budget
- Google Search: Beverly Hills City Council budget
- Beverly Hills Courier: Next Night Street Festival Put on Hiatus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beverly Hills
- Beverly Press: Council Supports $4.7 Million for Beverly Hills Visitors Bureau
- Google News: Beverly Hills budget
