Buena Park : City Faces Fiscal Year With ‘Healthy’ Outlook

In sharp contrast to its financial crisis last year, Buena Park faces the 1985-86 fiscal year with a $1.8-million reserve and no municipal worker layoffs or utility increases for residents expected.

City Council members Monday night approved a $26.5-million budget, a “healthy” turnaround from the financial woes Buena Park experienced last year when the city cut 19 jobs and imposed a 3% utility tax increase on its residents, city Finance Director Susan Brand said.

Brand and Acting City Manager Pat Brown attributed the city’s improving financial status to the 3% utility hike and a reduction of $1 million from last year’s budget. The $1-million trim included the 19 positions, Brand said.

Increased sales-tax revenue also helped the city’s finances, officials said. Last year, Buena Park projected $7.7 million in sales-tax money. Next year, officials expect $8 million in taxes will pour into city coffers.

The 1985-86 budget does not include any new programs, except for $2.79 million targeted for work on streets and sewers, Brown said.

During their meeting Monday, council members also approved a separate $16.6-million budget for the city’s redevelopment agency, Community Development Officer Felise Acosta said. The redevelopment agency’s budget includes money for the purchase of the old Sullivan School site and reconstruction of Manchester Avenue from Beach Boulevard southeast to the flood control channel, Acosta said.