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Lobbyist briefs South Pasadena on $500,000 state appropriation and looming property‑tax overhaul
Summary
A GrayRobinson lobbyist told the South Pasadena City Commission the city landed a $500,000 state appropriation (it had requested $3 million) while warning that the governor‑backed property‑tax proposal (SJR2/SB4) could cut municipal ad valorem revenue substantially if enacted in its current form.
Chris of Gray Robinson told the City Commission the firm had secured a $500,000 appropriation for the city's project after seeking $3 million and described rapid developments at the statehouse that could reshape local revenue.
The lobbyist said the legislature passed an overall $114.5 billion budget and that the governor retains broad line‑item veto authority. "We were successful in landing $500,000 in the budget for the effort this year," the lobbyist said, noting that political dynamics around the governor's property‑tax proposal could affect whether particular projects are later targeted in vetoes.
Commissioners asked whether the appropriation is secure. Staff said they are actively protecting the $500,000 by coordinating with the governor's office and the city's lobbyists; the mayor responded, "Well, yeah, a little disappointed in the 500,000, but it is 500,000."
Why it matters: staff used an early county taxable‑value extract to model the local effects of the then‑pending property‑tax package (Senate Joint Resolution 2 and implementing Senate Bill 4). Under the draft language shown to staff, South Pasadena's projected ad valorem revenue would fall by roughly $821,000 in 2027 and about $1.19 million in 2028 compared with a baseline growth scenario. Those figures are modeling estimates based on a draft bill and are subject to change as amendments are filed and the House and Senate reconcile differences.
What comes next: staff said they will continue lobbying efforts and will meet the governor's office to try to protect the secured appropriation. The commission asked staff and the city's lobbyist to keep the commission updated as the House and Senate continue work and as amendments are filed.
