COSTA MESA : City Votes to Form Fiscal Review Panel

City Manager Allan L. Roeder was given the go-ahead last week to establish a committee to review any proposed cuts in services or personnel because of future budget constraints.

The fiscal review committee will be made up of business people, residents who serve on city committees and representatives of the police, fire and employee associations.

“This group would serve as a sounding board, but also for immediate reaction to recommendations from the different departments within the city,” Roeder told council members last week. “This is intended as a short-term process.”

The council approved the formation of the committee 4 to 0, with Councilman Peter F. Buffa absent.

Roeder has asked each city department to develop plans to cut its budget by 3.5% this year and 8.3% next fiscal year. However, he said he is confident that the city will not be forced to cut services or staff this year.

The fiscal review committee will review the departments’ recommendations and send any other recommendations to the City Council, including proposals on contracting some city services and finding other revenue sources, Roeder said.