Diamond Bar : Budget Surplus Predicted

The city will be able to boost law enforcement and traffic patrols, add six traffic signals, conduct a $100,000 solid waste study and set aside a 5% contingency fund, and still come out on top, a proposed budget for the next fiscal year shows.

The draft budget, presented to the City Council on Tuesday, predicts a $560,000 surplus for Los Angeles County’s newest city. The expected infusion of money is due largely to $1.2 million in property tax revenue collected this fiscal year that Diamond Bar will receive under a bill recently signed by Gov. George Deukmejian. Without the legislation, the city was ineligible to get the money.

“We are making progress,” City Manager Robert Van Nort said. “No taxes will be increased and we’re increasing services.” A public hearing to discuss the budget will be held May 15.