CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Meeting Minutes
Special Joint Meeting with the Finance Committee
May 27, 2025
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER - 4:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Joe Stapleton, Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman, Councilmember Michelle Barto, Councilmember Noah Blom, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember Sara J. Weber, Councilmember Erik Weigand, Finance Committee Member Allen Cashion, Finance Committee Member William Kenney, Finance Committee Member Kory Kramer Excused: Finance Committee Member William Collopy
Mayor Stapleton announced that Mayor for the Day Sadie Susolik, a second grader from Anderson Elementary School, was also in attendance.
III. CURRENT BUSINESS
1. Review of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget Finance Director Al -Imam and Deputy Finance Director Burguan utilized a presentation to review the principles guiding the budget development, opportunities for public review, summary of expenditure funds, proposed budget revisions, major fund operating expenditures, General Fund revenues and expenditures, primary reasons for a 3.3% General Fund budget growth, program and staffing enhancements, changes in total staffing since 2009, General Fund sources and uses, recent changes to the City's pension liability, historical investments and the City's funded status, turnover of employees into Tiers 2 and 3, and the City's pension liability paydown strategy. Deputy Finance Director Burguan noted that the presentation should note that the fiscal year 2024 Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) actual amount should be $32 million, not $20 million.
Councilmember Grant thanked the Finance Department and Finance Committee for their efficient and practical work in developing the budget.
Noting economic uncertainties, Finance Committee Member Kenney indicated the Finance Committee asked staff to look at potential revenue losses, especially in TOT, so the City could have contingency plans. He noted that Finance Director Al -Imam assured the Finance Committee that the budget assumes full employment and provides for some cushion.
Councilmember Blom praised the Finance Department and Finance Committee for their responsible fiscal management, and noted Newport Beach is in a strong financial position compared to other Orange County cities.
Jim Mosher commented on the library materials budget, noted it had not increased despite rising costs, and suggested this be reviewed to maintain the quality of the library system.
Adam Leverenz echoed concerns about being prepared for potential economic downturns. He also commented on the $1.1 million allocated for the 15th Street restrooms, suggesting there were other beach areas that may need restrooms. He also advocated for more accessible public restrooms, especially late at night.
Mayor Stapleton thanked the Finance Department and Finance Committee for their work in developing another balanced budget with a surplus, which focused on quality of life, infrastructure, and public safety.
Volume 66 - Page 320
City of Newport Beach
Special Joint Meeting with the Finance Cornnuttee
May 27, 2025
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
V. ADJOURNMENT - 4:24 p.m.
The special agenda was posted on the City's website and on the City Hall electronic bulletin board located in the entrance of the City Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive on May 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
Volume 66 - Page 321