City Adopts Balanced Budget Not Tied to Federal Funding

After suggesting that the nation follow Glendale’s example in adhering to conservative fiscal policies, the City Council on Tuesday adopted a $184-million budget for 1985-86 that will remain balanced even if federal revenue-sharing funds to cities are cut off as threatened.

The budget is up 1.9% over last year’s $180.6-million spending package.

Mayor Jerold Milner praised the city because it “owes money to no one.” Milner referred to Glendale’s lack of general-obligation bonded indebtedness. The city does, however, have Redevelopment Agency and utility bonds to be paid off from project revenues.

Unlike most cities, Glendale has never relied on federal community block-grant funds or revenue-sharing money to provide basic city services, Milner said. There will be little effect on the city if those funds end Oct. 1, as proposed in the Reagan Administration budget.

The city uses the federal money only for capital improvements, City Manager James Rez said.

Councilwoman Ginger Bremberg said citizens “can rejoice” over the city’s ability to “mind the money and allocate wisely.” She tossed a gibe at a neighboring city by comparing Glendale’s budget for a population of 190,000 with that of Burbank, which has a population of 89,000 and a budget of $203 million.

Milner suggested that the city’s staff be assigned to tackle the nation’s monetary troubles and “get this country back on track real quick.”

In approving the budget, the council withheld $1.2 million for renovation of the Glendale Civic Auditorium, built in 1938. During a study session earlier this month, the council asked that further studies be conducted to determine whether, instead of restoring the building, the auditorium should be replaced or a cultural center built elsewhere.

The money was placed in a reserve fund in case city officials decide to proceed.

The city Parks and Recreation Department has been considering alternative uses of the auditorium and its adjacent Verdugo swim stadium for more than a year. The auditorium, a popular site for trade shows, beauty pageants and high school dances, is in need of major repairs, city studies show.

The swimming pool, also built in 1938, is made of poured concrete that leaks heavily, and its heating equipment does not work, Rez said. No recommendation has been made for repair or demolition of the pool, which is only lightly used. The pool opens Saturday for the 12-week summer season.

The budget provides for $14.1 million in capital improvements, some of which would come from federal revenue sharing. Major projects include widening Central and Glendale avenues south of the Ventura Freeway at a cost of more than $1.2 million. Also, overhead utility lines on both sides of the Verdugo Wash between Pacific Avenue and Jackson Street will be buried at a cost of $4 million, officials said.