Irvine : Taxes Among Council’s Money-Raising Options

A new business tax and a utility users tax are among the options to be considered by the City Council next month when it discusses the proposed 1986-87 budget and how to raise $600 million for the rehabilitation of the city’s streets, bridges and public facilities.

In unveiling next year’s $37.9-million spending plan, budget officer Leslie Keane said all major services will continue to be funded, including $10.7 million for the police and $9.2 million for city maintenance.

The plan represents a 3% increase over the current $36.8-million budget. Keane said that the city remains fiscally healthy but that some “big issues are looming” because city revenue growth has slowed.

Specifically, she said, there are no funds now available for the city’s physical overhaul, which she said will be needed over the next 30 years. She said the city “will have to find a new source of revenue.”

Keane also noted that, unlike last year, when the council was able to add 80 new positions, this year’s budget plan recommends adding just one staff person.

In addition, the plan calls for cutting back “cosmetic” landscaping and maintenance of facilities. It also proposes putting off completion of several city parks and reducing money for the Fine Arts Center gallery program and a teen-age drop-in program at the Youth Services Center.

The council will review the budget recommendations June 18.