‘Master Plan’ to Fight Drug Abuse Unveiled

Seeking a comprehensive approach to quelling drug abuse, San Diego City Manager Jack McGrory Friday released a long-debated $28.4-million drug “master plan” that includes law enforcement, treatment and prevention programs along with planning by public agencies.

Most of the money would be spent on law enforcement, including $7.2 million to add foot patrols in “drug-impacted areas,” $4.5 million for a city pre-arraignment jail and more than $3.5 million to expand special police drug and gang details.

But prevention programs--including $2.1 million to expand a drug education program in city schools and $1.2 million for youth programs in city libraries--would receive considerable funding under the plan, which will be reviewed by the City Council’s Public Services and Safety Committee Wednesday.

McGrory’s proposed fiscal 1992 budget contains $5.9 million for new programs and facilities suggested in the five-year master plan, but new funds would have to be found for the rest of the initiatives.

In a separate report Friday, McGrory suggested that the council form a citizens committee to consider imposition of a property parcel tax, a utility users tax or a refuse collection fee.

Funds from any of those levies also could be used to add 115 police officers to the city force at an initial cost of $6.5 million in 1993.

In a third financing report released Friday, McGrory also asked the City Council to form a separate committee to determine which other financing measures should be placed before voters on the 1992 ballot.

The committee would review ways to raise money for police and fire facilities; the acquisition and construction of open space and parks; the drug master plan and additional police, and libraries. It also would determine whether to ask voter approval of an amendment to the City Charter calling for a trash collection fee for single-family homes, a proposal that would save the city $29.3 million.

Suggested ballot measures include:

* A general-obligation bond, requiring two-thirds voter approval, to build $73 million worth of police and fire facilities. Each $100 million of debt approved by voters would cost residents $16 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.

* $100 million in open-space bonds, requiring approval by a majority of voters.

* Funding for the drug master plan and additional police.

* A $58-million general obligation bond for a new central library and branch library construction, and a special tax for furnishings and maintenance. Approval would cost residents $9.50 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.

* Imposition of a $9 fee to cover the cost of refuse collection and curbside recycling for single-family homes that now receive the services free.