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Council adopts midyear budget adjustments and agrees to consider Roundhouse Aquarium support
Summary
After hearing FY26 projections, the council approved midyear budget adjustments and directed staff to return with follow-up analysis; council also approved consideration of an $80,000-per-year maintenance contribution to the Roundhouse Aquarium pending identification of appropriate funding source(s).
The City Council reviewed its midyear fiscal‑year 2026 budget update on Feb. 17 and adopted adjustments to align projected revenues and expenditures to year‑to‑date trends. Finance Director Libby Breitauer presented revenue increases tied to property tax, transaction/use tax and plan‑check fees and noted expenditure pressures from overtime, legal and contract services.
The council accepted staff recommendations for revenue and appropriation adjustments shown in the staff packet. The adjustments reclassify interfund transfers to align with auditor recommendations and incorporate updates to projected year‑end results.
The Roundhouse Aquarium (Oceanic Teaching Station) asked for $80,000 annually over three years for repairs, maintenance and life‑support equipment. Robin Curran, executive director for the supporting foundation, said the facility is an educational draw that serves tens of thousands of visitors and school groups and requested municipal support to stabilize operations ahead of major regional events.
"The Roundhouse stands as the crown jewel of Manhattan Beach," Robin Curran said. She described the aquarium’s role in environmental education and regional visitation and asked the city to partner on ongoing upkeep.
Council members agreed to consider a funding path but asked staff to identify appropriate sources. Staff said the grant could come from the general fund or potentially from parking/pier-related funds; staff will research whether state pier/parking revenue rules permit using those funds for Roundhouse maintenance and report back.
The council adopted the midyear adjustments and related appropriations as presented; the motion passed 5–0. Council asked for follow-up on the insurance reserve actuarial study and directed staff to return with more detailed options before acting on any structural change to police staffing.
What happens next: Staff will return with final budget adjustments in May during the proposed budget process, an actuarial analysis for the insurance reserve, and a funding recommendation for the aquarium request (including whether parking/pier funds are an allowable source).
