Ojai council adopts FY2026–27 budget with $1 million set aside for fire mitigation

The Ojai City Council on June 23 adopted the recommended FY2026–27 budget after a public hearing and discussion about reserves and audit timing.

Finance staff summarized the recommended balanced budget and explained that council feedback from June 9 led to two additions: $1,000,000 earmarked for fire safety and mitigation and $7,000 for a community Mandala project in recreation. Staff stated the city’s estimated appropriations remain under the state Gann limit for tax proceeds and recommended a 3.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for all classifications except the city manager and elected officials.

During public comment, residents and a budget committee member asked for clearer documentation and transparency on audited figures; staff acknowledged that the city is completing prior‑year audit work and agreed to return with any necessary reconciliations. Council members discussed reserve‑calculation methods, the timing of the audit, and whether certain one‑time items should be categorized as operational or capital.

After discussion, council approved the budget and associated resolutions to adopt the fiscal year 2026–27 budget, set the Gann appropriations limit, and amend the salary schedule to apply the 3.5% COLA where indicated. The approval included direction to staff to provide follow‑up information on reserve calculations and the status of the FY2024–25 audit.

What happens next: staff will implement the adopted budget, begin the authorized hiring and program steps tied to the appropriations, and return with requested clarifications on audited numbers and reserve calculations.