Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Beverly Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.