CITY BUDGETS : Budget-Balancing Deadline Sends Some Cities Scurrying

In Santa Ana, a city financial squeeze means that 90 positions are being eliminated from the city payroll. But the budget for tiny Villa Park, Orange County’s smallest city, is rising 60% this year--thanks entirely to capital spending on road improvements. And in Irvine, last year’s deficit crisis is nearly forgotten and 38 employees will be added to the city payroll.

In most cities where spending is up, it is for increases in public safety personnel or road improvements. But whether the numbers are rising or falling, the story at city halls throughout Orange County is essentially the same: it is budget-balancing time.

The new fiscal year for California’s cities began Friday, and legally they were required to have had their budgets balanced and approved by the night before. However, several Orange County cities are still working with proposed budgets, including Fullerton, which is scheduled to approve its spending plan tonight.

Following is a city-by-city look at the budget picture in each of the county’s 27 cities. Placentia

Despite New Programs, Less Spending Expected

Placentia has a list of new programs and services being funded this year, but overall spending is projected to decline by 20%, largely due to a $3-million drop in redevelopment spending.

This year’s budget totals $14 million, down from last year’s $17.8 million, said City Manager Jack Slota. The plan includes appropriations for a drug abuse education program in the public schools, lighting for the football fields at Valencia High and Kramer Junior High, a new free swim program at several city pools and a canine unit and four new officers for the Police Department.