Fullerton : City May Cut Events to Balance Budget

Struggling to balance the 1992-93 budget, city officials on Friday suggested ways to save more than $900,000, including the elimination of July 4 celebrations and the popular Founders’ Day Parade in May.

Community Services Director Susan Hunt said that canceling the two events might save the city more than $50,000 and prevent cuts in other services or the closing of municipal facilities.

If the City Council decides not to eliminate the two events, Hunt said, the opening of city playgrounds and wading pools might be delayed several weeks in the summer.

Other cuts under consideration include closing the Hunt Branch Library on Fridays and the Fullerton Museum Center on Tuesdays.

Funds might be terminated for after-school sports programs on the junior high level, while another $5,000 could be saved by cutting library appropriations.

City officials are also contemplating a reduction in capital improvements for the sanitation system.

Fullerton City Manager William C. Winter said the $75-million budget is 1.6% more than last year, but sales tax revenue in the city is down. He said all city departments will be affected by the tight budget.

Unlike La Habra and Anaheim, there were no layoffs recommended in Fullerton’s 1992-93 budget. Many vacant positions will remain unfilled, however, and the hours of some part-time staff might be reduced.

Moreover, the city plans to stop paying for almost all job-related conventions and conferences for its staff, Winter said.

The city will still pay registration fees, but officials who wish to attend will have to pay for their own travel, hotel and meals.

Fullerton residents will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed cuts and suggest alternatives when the City Council meets for a public hearing Monday afternoon.