The City Council of Hawaiian Gardens convened for a special meeting on May 22, 2025, primarily to discuss the upcoming budget workshop. The meeting began with an overview of the budget's purpose, emphasizing its role as a planning tool to allocate resources effectively toward established city goals.

The council reviewed key financial data, including trends in revenues and expenditures from 2021 through the proposed budget for 2026-2027. It was noted that while expenditures are on the rise, revenues have plateaued, particularly due to the city's reliance on casino income, which constitutes 61.5% of total revenues. The council expressed concern that expenditures may soon exceed revenues if current trends continue.

A significant point of discussion was the anticipated increase in card club revenues, attributed to the expiration of a fee waiver agreement in November 2025. This change is expected to generate an additional $70,000 to $80,000 monthly, contributing to the city's financial health. However, council members cautioned against relying too heavily on this income, as negotiations regarding the casino's future are ongoing.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced budget, with discussions on funding sources for various projects, including grants and potential debt financing. The council reviewed the city's reserves, which include committed funds for capital improvement projects and emergency reserves, totaling approximately $25 million.

Several proposed projects for the 2025-2026 fiscal year were outlined, including improvements to Ferguson Elementary School's field, which has secured funding from both federal and private sources. The council emphasized the need to explore additional grants to support these initiatives.

As the meeting concluded, council members acknowledged the rising costs of doing business, including healthcare and contract services, which are projected to increase significantly in the coming years. They recognized the necessity for innovative strategies to enhance revenue streams and reduce dependency on casino income.

The council plans to continue analyzing the budget and will reconvene to discuss departmental changes and further financial strategies in the near future.