Agoura Hills reviews biennial budget, approves community grants and $3,000 festival support

Agoura Hills City Council met in a budget workshop where staff presented the proposed biennial budget for fiscal years 2025–26 and 2026–27 and the council approved its community grants package, including a $3,000 appropriation for the Topanga Banjo & Fiddle Contest and modest increases to several nonprofit allocations.

The proposed general fund budget for FY 2025–26 shows total revenues of $20,861,987 and projected revenues of $21,542,416 for FY 2026–27, city finance staff told the council. Staff highlighted seven revenue streams with taxes and assessments the largest single category; the budgeted tax total listed was $16,523,303 for FY 2025–26 and $17,070,398 for FY 2026–27. Director of Finance Mr. Ibanez described a conservative forecasting approach that reflected current macroeconomic pressures and a recent fee study that increased charges for services to an estimated $1,395,023 in year one and $1,496,518 in year two.

The workshop emphasized public safety as the single largest expenditure in the general fund. Staff reported the city appropriated $5,649,409 for public safety in FY 2025–26. Overall, staff presented a near-balanced two-year plan that showed a small surplus of $8,092 in 2025–26 and a projected surplus of $1,872 in 2026–27 after the initial proposal.

Members of the public and councilors urged that infrastructure items tied to emergency evacuation be prioritized. Carolyn Tresino, speaking for Old Agora homeowners, told the council, "Given the ongoing fire risk, fixing Chesbrough is crucial for community evacuation," and urged interim repairs to Chesbrough Road and continued trail design work for horse safety. Serena Nuzzi, a board member for the Old Agora homeowners association, raised concerns about zoning issues and sober-living homes affecting the community’s rural character and said she hoped those matters could be researched in the next fiscal year.

Economic development items also featured in public comment and council discussion. Danielle Borgia, president and CEO of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, thanked the council for considering funding that would support chamber programs such as Leadership Conejo and the 40 Under 40 recognition, saying, "Our businesses are really challenged right now in this economic environment, and we're working closely with them, to give them all the support and resources that they need during this time."

Council members and staff discussed several budget tradeoffs recommended by the finance and land use subcommittees, including freezing two positions (one in finance and one in public works), pausing a city beautification line item, and reducing discretionary contributions to certain festivals and events. Council members repeatedly praised staff for conservative forecasting and said the proposed budget reflects the council’s priorities — particularly public safety, emergency preparedness and targeted economic development.

On community grants, staff said the council set a guideline of $30,000 for the grants pool. The finance subcommittee and council reviewed applications and recommended funding levels intended to distribute some support to every qualified applicant while staying within that total. During discussion the council directed staff to restore a $3,000 appropriation for the Topanga Banjo & Fiddle Contest (often referred to as Fiddle Fest) and approved adjustments to several nonprofit awards, including increasing Malibu Search and Rescue from $1,000 to $2,000 and restoring Many Mansions to $2,500. Council members also discussed additional funding requests for the Cougar Conservancy and other small nonprofits; the council approved the set of adjustments discussed at the workshop.

Council votes on workshop items were unanimous. The council approved the evening’s agenda by roll call vote, 5–0. After council discussion and a motion to adjust several community grant awards, the council approved the community outreach grant package, including the $3,000 festival appropriation and the grant increases, by a 5–0 roll call vote.

Staff said the budget will return for formal adoption and that the city will conduct a mid‑cycle review to reassess revenues and possible adjustments. Finance staff reported the city’s committed reserves are forecast at about $13.9 million across the two years and that many special funds and capital projects remain under review for grant opportunities and timing. The manager and finance director told the council they would present a final adopted budget at a future meeting and perform quarterly reviews given the uncertain revenue environment.

The workshop closed with council members reiterating fiscal priorities — public safety, emergency preparedness and measured economic development support — and thanking staff for the budget work. The council then adjourned the workshop; the regular council meeting was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.