Long Beach officials discuss property tax increases amid budget concerns

The Long Beach City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, focused on the city's budget and tax implications for residents. Key discussions revolved around the complexities of property tax assessments and the proposed tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year.

Council members expressed concerns regarding the accuracy of tax increase figures, particularly in relation to school and library taxes. One council member highlighted the confusion surrounding the reported 61% of taxes attributed to schools, noting that this figure does not accurately reflect the tax burden on Long Beach residents. The discussion revealed that the total tax figure includes contributions from various municipalities, which may skew perceptions of individual tax impacts.

The council also addressed the proposed tax increase, clarifying that while the state tax cap is set at 2%, the actual proposed increase for the city is approximately 2.5%. This increase is necessary to address rising city expenses, which have reportedly increased by $5.2 million over the past two years without corresponding revenue growth. The council acknowledged that previous years had seen no operational tax increases, but the current financial situation necessitates adjustments.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the challenges the city faces in balancing budgetary needs with the financial impact on residents. The council plans to continue discussions on the budget and tax structure in future meetings, aiming for transparency and clarity in communicating tax implications to the community.