The City of La Habra City Council convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss various departmental updates and budgetary considerations, emphasizing community engagement, public safety, and fiscal responsibility.

The meeting commenced with commendations for the Public Works Department, particularly for their rapid response to community needs during last year's heat wave, which included opening splash pads for residents. Council members praised the department's efforts in securing non-general fund resources, highlighting their strategic approach to prioritizing projects based on community needs.

A significant focus was placed on the city's Measure M2 funds, with the finance department reporting successful audits that allowed La Habra to retain these critical funds. The council noted that the engineering and finance departments' diligent tracking of costs contributed to passing audits without negative findings, which is vital for maintaining infrastructure projects.

Brianna Hurt, the management analyst for the administration department, presented accomplishments from the past fiscal year, including enhanced community engagement through surveys and the La Habra Life newsletter. The administration also managed the 2024 General Municipal Election and modernized public records management, processing over 635 requests, which is above average for a city of La Habra's size.

The council discussed upcoming goals, including the implementation of a new payroll and human resources management system and updates to financial policies. The IT department is set to enhance email security and replace outdated cabling at the police station to improve operational efficiency.

Police Chief Adam Foster addressed staffing challenges faced by the department, noting that they had been down several officers due to retirements and medical issues. However, he reported progress in filling vacancies, with six out of eight positions currently being filled by entry-level officers. The chief emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to ensure public safety and effective service delivery.

The meeting concluded with a budget summary, proposing a total budget of $20.4 million for various departments, including significant allocations for public safety and infrastructure improvements. The council expressed commitment to restoring positions cut in previous years and enhancing recruitment strategies to attract top talent.

Overall, the meeting underscored La Habra's dedication to transparency, community service, and proactive management of city resources, setting a positive tone for the upcoming fiscal year.