Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Beverly Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in taxes budget
Commissioner Recruitment Process Review (Item A-1)
Commission interviews are now public meetings after a resident's Brown Act challenge, but the city gave only 24 hours' notice and didn't directly notify the person who raised the issue. The council will seat one recommended applicant immediately and reopen the process for a second seat.
FY 2026-27 fee schedule amendments and county industrial waste pass-through increases
Most city fees go up 3.6% with inflation, pickleball and tennis fees actually drop after community pushback, and new state-mandated planning fees recover staff time. Staff also gained clear authority to settle small delinquent accounts without council approval.
Pension tax override rate for FY 2026-27
The council set the property tax rate that pays voter-approved public-safety pension costs at $0.043844 per $100 of assessed value — recovering about $22.2 million, or 87.5% of safety pension costs, with the rest from the general fund.
FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Budget
The ZBB committee's recommended $105.8 million five-year capital project portfolio was on the agenda but not taken up at this meeting.
City Hall Tower utilization
The city spent over $10 million seismically retrofitting City Hall's tower, but the upper floors remain empty. Councilmembers debated whether to spend roughly $5 million to finish the fifth floor in time for the Olympics, with some favoring it as community space and others calling it a luxury amid a budget deficit.
Suspension of the Measure RP Sales Tax
Beverly Hills will not collect its Measure RP sales tax because a new state law raised the county's tax ceiling, so the city tax would just stack on top and cost shoppers and businesses more. The council suspended it, honoring the original promise to voters.
Newspaper Advertising Award and Courier Paywall Dispute
The city spends about $662,440 a year on legal notices and display ads across three local papers. Critics say the Courier's new digital paywall blocked tens of thousands of readers from seeing city ads, and they want digital metrics and library access addressed before the next audit.
FY 2026-27 General Fund Budget and Structural Deficit
The city faces a $4.9 million projected shortfall next year, covered by a one-time $5 million cut to the infrastructure fund cash transfer, with structural deficits projected through 2028-29 before One Beverly Hills revenues turn the tide. The three-year deficit estimate improved from $22.4 million to $14.8 million.
Free Two-Hour Parking Subsidy
The city gives away over $2 million a year in free two-hour parking. A parking study due at the end of 2026 will examine rates and cost recovery, with Mayor Corman stressing the city should stay priced below competing venues.
Software Licensing Costs and Regional Purchasing
The city spends about $6 million a year on software licenses, with a $236,000 enhancement added for CPI increases. Councilmember Nazarian proposed partnering with neighboring cities for bulk pricing, and staff agreed to pursue it.
Opioid settlement proceeds and UTA lease extension
The city gets a small share of a $97.6 million nationwide opioid settlement with six pharmaceutical distributors, and the UTA lease at the metro station area is extended two months to June 30, 2027 while longer-term plans proceed.
Calls for district-based council elections
Multiple speakers said the southeast gets 'dumped on' because no council member represents their area, and demanded a commitment to district elections. Staff indicated that question would be addressed later.
City Manager Employment Agreement
Ryan Gohlich was hired as City Manager with a $425,000 base salary and rich benefits package. Councilmember Mirisch flagged that total compensation wasn't calculated and criticized rising personnel costs, but joined the unanimous approval.
George S. Hall facilities maintenance contract increase
The council put off a vote on adding $1.6 million to the George S. Hall building-maintenance contract, bringing it to $5,573,856, plus $880,000 in appropriations. It comes back February 11.
June 2, 2026 Municipal Election and Campaign Finance Rules
Three council seats and the city treasurer are up on June 2. The council approved $210,000 for the election and rewrote contribution limits — $500 per donor for candidates accepting the voluntary spending cap, $400 for those who don't — after a heated First Amendment debate.
2026 Legislative Platform and school funding language
The council agreed on most updates to its annual state/federal advocacy wish list but hesitated on adding general support for public school funding — worried the state could shift costs onto city property tax revenues. The legislative committee will study the wording.
Election cost burden on the city
Beverly Hills is one of the county's top three vote centers, but the state doesn't reimburse the full cost — council wants to pursue state or federal funding, especially after the surprise Prop 50 election ate the budget.