The government meeting held on May 8, 2025, featured discussions led by Mayor Alex Rounaghi and Tom Johnson, focusing primarily on the city’s budget and wildfire prevention strategies. The meeting underscored the importance of prioritizing public safety and efficient resource allocation in the face of rising operational costs.

Mayor Rounaghi emphasized the critical need for wildfire prevention funding, proposing that 10% of the general fund—approximately $10 million annually—be allocated to this area. He argued that wildfire prevention is a necessity that should take precedence over other budgetary wants, highlighting the inevitability of future wildfires.

The mayor also addressed the upcoming budget process, noting that a preliminary budget will be presented at a town hall meeting scheduled for the following Tuesday from 4 PM to 6 PM. He encouraged community input on the budget, which is currently available for review on the city’s website.

In addition to wildfire funding, Rounaghi discussed strategies for cost savings within the city’s budget. He mentioned plans to analyze the city’s largest contracts for potential renegotiation and to assess vacant positions that may not need to be filled. He highlighted a partnership with Procure America, a company that helps renegotiate utility bills, which has already yielded savings in electricity costs.

The mayor acknowledged the challenges of balancing rising operational costs with the need to maintain quality city services and attract skilled employees. He expressed confidence in the city manager, Dave Kim, to help navigate these financial complexities.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of community engagement in the budget process, as the city prepares for multiple hearings on the budget in the coming weeks. Overall, the discussions reflected a proactive approach to addressing both immediate and long-term financial challenges facing Laguna Beach.