Norwalk : Budget Relies on Reserve

The Norwalk City Council has adopted a 1988-89 budget that relies on a $3-million raid of the city’s reserve fund to pay for capital improvements and new equipment.

The $27.8-million combined city budget includes an $18.1-million general fund spending plan that is $3 million greater than the one proposed by the city administrator. The council added about $1.5 million in capital improvements, including a buffer wall for portions of the Santa Ana Freeway, a new municipal maintenance facility and new athletic courts. Money for new city vehicles, landscaping equipment and computers was also added to the budget, which was adopted Tuesday on a 4-0 vote. Councilman Robert E. White was absent.