The City of Hollywood held its second public budget hearing for fiscal year 2026 on September 25, 2025, where officials presented a balanced budget and addressed community concerns regarding budget growth and staffing levels.

City Manager Adam provided an overview of the budget, emphasizing the hard work of the Budget Office team, including Jonathan, Nisha, Evelyn, Anjani, Bobby, Beatrice, and Lizette. He highlighted their collaboration with various departments to ensure the budget is both balanced and structurally sound.

Commissioner Shoham raised concerns from residents about the growth of the budget and the number of positions added, referring to these increases as "bloat." He expressed his support for the budget but requested clarification on how the city justifies these new positions, especially in light of stagnant population growth compared to rising revenues.

In response, the City Manager reassured attendees that the budget is indeed balanced, stating that the city cannot engage in deficit spending like the federal government. He explained that the budget is structurally balanced, meaning ongoing revenues adequately cover ongoing expenses without relying on one-time funds. This marks the third consecutive year the city has achieved a structurally balanced budget, reflecting a commitment to fiscal responsibility.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions from the commissioners, underscoring the city's transparency and willingness to engage with community concerns regarding financial management.