News Summary
The Beverly Hills City Council has adopted its fiscal year budget of $661.6 million with a surplus of $1.9 million. Key enhancements aim to address community needs and public safety. The budget reflects a $10.4 million increase from the previous year and prioritizes essential services. Despite the surplus, potential future deficits have been noted, leading to a contentious vote. Additional measures include funding for security, tree maintenance, and urban development plans, highlighting the city’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and community safety.
Beverly Hills – The Beverly Hills City Council has officially adopted its fiscal year 2025-26 budget, amounting to $661.6 million with a surplus of $1.9 million. The decision was made during a council meeting held on June 17, 2024. This represents a $10.4 million increase compared to the previous fiscal year’s budget.
The budget retains the city’s existing financial policies and features, with no significant alterations from the previous year. Key enhancements amounting to $13.2 million have been included in the budget across 27 highlight areas. These enhancements are designed to address local community needs and public safety, which remains a primary focus for local government.
Among the one-time budget enhancements, several notable allocations have been made: $4.5 million for private security, $900,000 for annual tree maintenance, and $600,000 for safety and hospitality ambassador services. Additionally, $400,000 has been dedicated to a joint powers agreement with the Beverly Hills Unified School District. The budget also allocates funds in relation to the upcoming Wilshire/La Cienega Metro station, set to open in fall 2024, which includes $800,000 for six additional community service officers for the Beverly Hills Police Department and $300,000 for equipment needs related to patrolling the new Metro station.
Despite the current surplus, future financial forecasts indicate potential deficits of $15 million in the next fiscal year and $20 million in the following year. This outlook was a point of contention during the budget discussions, leading to a 4-1 vote in favor of the budget. Councilman John Mirisch opposed the budget, voicing his concerns about the projected future deficits and the efficiency of city spending.
The budget prioritizes public safety, allocating 53% of its total funds towards essential services, ensuring that no cuts will be made to police or fire services in the new budget plan. Furthermore, the council has redirected $4.3 million, originally intended for electric vehicle chargers, towards seismic upgrades for public parking structures, showcasing a strategic shift in funding priorities.
In addition to budget discussions, the council voted to extend an interim urgency ordinance relating to urban lot splits and two-primary-unit projects until May 2026, reflecting ongoing efforts to address housing needs in the community. A public hearing regarding a proposed multifamily residence at 412 N. Oakhurst Drive was postponed to allow for further processing of the housing application, amid concerns from community advocates regarding impacts on senior residents at the targeted site.
This budget adoption reflects the city council’s efforts to balance current community needs with future fiscal prudence in light of anticipated budget shortfalls.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: City Council Approves Budget
- Wikipedia: Beverly Hills, California
- Beverly Press: Beverly Hills Council Approves $662 Million Budget
- Google Search: Beverly Hills City Council Budget
- Beverly Press: Council Supports $4.7 Million for Beverly Hills Visitors Bureau
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beverly Hills California
- Oakland County 115: Beverly Hills Narrows Down Village Manager Search
