$6.3-Million Budget OKd for La Canada

The La Canada Flintridge City Council has adopted a balanced budget of $6.3 million for 1991-92 that incorporates belt-tightening measures, including a halt to city-sponsored trapping of coyotes.

Elimination of coyote trapping--at a savings of about $2,000 a year--was among a series of cuts authorized by the council during seven study sessions before adoption of the budget Monday.

Other operational cuts totaling more than $200,000 include a reduction in sheriff’s patrols on weekends, travel and meeting allowances, and maintenance projects. More than $475,000 was trimmed from the planned capital improvement budget, delaying for a year such projects as some improvements to streets, parking areas, tennis courts and playing fields.

City officials said the cuts were necessary because a slight decrease in the city’s population has caused a decline in revenues, although costs have continued to increase.

The budget does allow a 5% increase in salaries and a $1,000 bonus for each of the city’s 11 full-time employees. City Treasurer Dave Siebert--a part-time employee who was not granted a bonus--said the extra money was the council’s “way of expressing appreciation” to the staff and a reward for uncompensated overtime.