Downey : Higher Budget Adds Police

The Downey City Council on Tuesday approved a $47.9-million budget for 1988-89 and authorized the hiring of six additional police officers. The new budget is 13.3% higher than last year’s $42.29-million spending plan. A major portion of the increase, $2.8 million, represents additional spending for capital projects, including a new swimming pool at Downey High School and improvements to the city’s water system.

Employee raises and inflation also will boost spending next year, said Lee Powell, director of administrative services.

Aside from the increase in the police force, the budget will maintain about the same level of services, City Manager Don Davis said.

The council voted to increase the size of the sworn police force from 105 officers to 111 officers. Some of the extra officers are expected to be assigned to a new anti-gang detail. The new positions will cost more than $340,000 a year, Davis said. City officials had not budgeted for the staffing increase, which was proposed Tuesday night by Councilman Roy L. Paul. Davis said the money for the new positions probably will come out of city reserves or through spending cutbacks in other areas.

The general fund portion of the budget contains $28.1 million, compared to the $26.35 million budgeted for the current fiscal year which ends today. The general fund pays for operating expenses, including salaries and police and fire protection.

Davis said the city has a general fund reserve in excess of $4 million.