NEWPORT BEACH : Bergeson: Money Woes Will Get Worse

State Sen. Marian Bergeson (R--Newport Beach) met with City Council members this week for a discussion on topics ranging from the council’s concern about possible cuts in state funding to the senator’s recent sky-diving expedition.

In a talk with the council during its afternoon study session Monday, the senator described the year as a “crisis,” with issues confronting state government including cold weather that damaged crops, the Oakland fire, the ongoing drought and, most recently, the whitefly infestation.

She also gave a bleak outlook for the economy, telling council members that additional cuts in programs and services are likely to worsen in the current fiscal year.

“I can only say that this (fiscal) year will probably be worse,” Bergeson said. “There’s no will to increase taxes, and the (health and welfare) programs will probably continue to be cut.”

Some council members questioned Bergeson’s assessment of the state’s fiscal situation. They asked if the cities would take the brunt of cuts in the coming year.

“Is there any chance they might come up with some more creative ways to get more money out of the locals?” Councilwoman Ruthelyn Plummer asked.

Added Councilman John Hedges: “We have one of the highest sales tax rates, but somehow we can’t balance the budget. The comment is: ‘State government, live within your means.’ ”

Bergeson responded that she did not foresee municipalities being forced to give up revenue sources such as jail booking fees to help the state.

“I think there has to be an understanding that things are very difficult now for all of us,” she said.

On a lighter note, Councilwoman Jean H. Watt brought up the senator’s recent sky-diving expedition.

“I’ve admired you all these years, and want to do stuff like you do, but I don’t think I want to go sky diving,” said Watt.

To the chuckle of the council and those in the audience, the senator replied, “Well, after you’ve raised kids and gone through a budget year like this one, it’s nothing.”