Downey Development News
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Downey City Council Meeting - 6/23/2026
Published: Jun 23, 2026
Downey Approves Fee Waivers for 'El Grito de Independencia' Show, Denies Talent Fee Request, and Seeks Alternate Date
The City Council approved a motion to waive rental and labor costs, up to $12,000, for the 'El Grito de Independencia' show at the Downey Theatre on September 11th, 2026. The council denied a request for $10,000 in talent fees and directed staff to explore alternative dates due to the conflict with the 25th anniversary of September 11th commemorations. The event, presented by Ajua (Asociacion de Jaliscienses Unidos Accion), is a celebration of Mexican Independence featuring cultural performances. Last year, only rental and labor fees were waived.
Downey Adjusts User Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
The City Council adopted a resolution adjusting the citywide user fee schedule for fiscal year 2026-2027. This adjustment includes 466 fee increases of 3.4% based on CPI, 35 fees adjusted to current market rates, 60 new fees proposed, 70 fees updated based on a fire department cost recovery survey, and 237 fees remaining unchanged. Changes aim to ensure general fund subsidization is minimized and prevent large catch-up increases. The Downey Fire Department will transition to a risk-based inspection system, impacting fees.
Downey Approves 15th Consecutive Balanced Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
The City Council adopted the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, marking the 15th consecutive balanced budget. The total proposed appropriations for all city funds are $335 million, an increase of 3% from the prior year, mainly due to carryover capital project budgets, grant funding for the Space Center, and expansion of the security camera project. The general fund budget totals $122.1 million. The city anticipates ending the current fiscal year with a fund balance of $42.2 million, projecting a beginning balance of $43.1 million for the next fiscal year. The proposed budget includes estimated revenues of $122.14 million and expenditures of $122.06 million, resulting in a surplus of approximately $73,000. The general fund reserve target is 35% ($37.5 million), but projections indicate a balance of $33.5 million (31.3%), which would decrease to $22.9 million (21%) if the Costco development agreement is approved. The budget prioritizes public safety, quality of life, and infrastructure, maintaining essential services despite a cautious economic environment.
Downey to Place Delinquent Solid Waste Charges on Property Tax Rolls
The City Council adopted a resolution to place delinquent solid waste charges on the Los Angeles County property tax roll. This action, authorized by ordinance 25-1526, applies to accounts more than 90 days in arrears as of March 31st each year. The city cannot stop trash service due to non-payment as it would create a public health hazard. The mechanism involves a special assessment on property tax rolls, with property owners having until the tax upload deadline (August 10th) to settle debts. As of the meeting, there were 504 delinquent accounts totaling approximately $275,000, down from 665 accounts earlier. Athens Services manages collections and notifications.
Downey City Council Tables Hotel Tax Increase Discussion Amidst Resident Tax Fatigue Concerns
The City Council discussed the potential for amending the city's hotel user tax (Transient Occupancy Tax). Currently at 9%, a previous attempt in 2022 to increase it to 13% failed, with residents citing unclear messaging and tax fatigue. The average hotel tax rate in comparable jurisdictions is 11%. A 13% rate could generate an additional $1.06 million annually, projected to increase with future hotel development. The council expressed concerns about 'tax fatigue,' the $315,000 cost to place the measure on the ballot, and the recent passage of a countywide sales tax increase (Measure ER). The council voted to table the item for future consideration.
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The Downey News archive
Downey City Council Meeting - 6/09/2026
Downey Special City Council Meeting - 6/1/2026
Downey City Council Meeting - 5/26/2026
TESTING - Downey City Council Meeting - 5/26/2026
Downey City Council Meeting - 5/12/2026
Downey Planning Commission Meeting - 5/6/2026
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