Duarte : $16.7-Million Budget OKd

A $16.7-million city budget designed to maintain city services for the 1992-1993 fiscal year was approved Tuesday by the City Council.

The budget represents a 2% increase over the previous year. Among items costing more will be a $2-million police services contract with Los Angeles County, up $145,000, and a $42,400 contract with a private firm for graffiti removal, up $9,900.

The budget reduces expenses in a number of areas. No funds are budgeted for cost-of-living increases or raises for city staff members. In addition, allocated funds for travel expenses and meeting costs have been reduced in most city departments and programs.

The budget may be modified after the state budget is finalized.