Woodland Hills council adopts certified property tax rate for fiscal 2027

The Woodland Hills City Council adopted Resolution 2026-40 on the certified property tax rate for fiscal year 2027, setting the rate at 0.002976. The council voted to approve the resolution following a brief discussion of how assessed values and new construction affect total tax revenue.

Why it matters: Although the certified rate is slightly lower than what the council used in last years preliminary budget calculations, staff and council members said rising property values and new homes mean the citys overall property tax revenue will be higher than the earlier estimate. That surplus, council members said, gives the city some flexibility to fund additional priorities without raising the tax rate.

What was said: The chair introduced Resolution 2026-40 and explained staff will provide "the same type of spreadsheet" with a detailed breakdown of where the funds will be allocated at the next council meeting. Carrie, a city staff member, summarized the statutory process and how the countys assessment drives the certified rate, saying it is "all based on state statute" and describing how preliminary budgets and truth-in-taxation hearings interact with that timing. She told the council the countys late delivery of certified figures can compress the citys options to alter rates before the fiscal year begins.

Vote and procedure: A council member moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded. In roll call, Council Members Malovich, Hutchkins, Rhoden, John's and Lund voted in favor and the resolution passed. The transcript contains inconsistent spellings for the movers name (appearing as both "Lent" and "Lund"); the council record should be consulted for the official movers name. The council did not call a closed session and adjourned after the vote.

Details still to come: The chair said staff will present a full, itemized spreadsheet at the next council meeting that will show how the additional revenue is allocated. The transcript shows the numerical revenue figure read aloud was garbled and is not specified in the record; the council directed staff to provide a clear, written breakdown for the official minutes and public review.

The meeting opened with an invocation by Council Member Lunt and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member John's. Public comment was opened and closed with no speakers.

Next steps: Staff will circulate the detailed budget breakdown at the next meeting so council members and the public can see specific allocations planned under the adopted certified rate.