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

Agoura Hills Mayor Sylvester and the City Council reviewed a proposed biennial budget for fiscal years 2025–26 and 2026–27 at a workshop and approved adjustments to the city's community grants program, including a $3,000 appropriation for the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Festival and $2,145.15 in increased awards to several nonprofit applicants. The council voted unanimously on the grants and related changes.

The budget presentation, led by Director of Finance Mr. Ibanez and City Manager Nate Hamburger, outlined a conservative revenue forecast and modest surpluses. Staff presented projected general fund revenues of $20,861,987 for fiscal year 2025–26 and $21,542,416 for fiscal year 2026–27, and reported a projected surplus of $8,092 in 2025–26 and $1,872 in 2026–27 after the proposed expenditures. Finance staff said public safety is the single largest general-fund expenditure, accounting for about 27% of the budget; staff listed a public-safety appropriation of $5,649,409 for 2025–26.

Why it matters: the council's workshop decisions set priorities for spending and reserves and guide staff as they prepare the final budget for adoption. Council members and department leaders framed the proposal as a conservative plan that maintains reserves while funding prioritized infrastructure and public-safety work.

Key p…