San Gabriel : $12.1-Million Budget OKd

The City Council unanimously adopted a $12.1-million budget that maintains current services in 1992-93.

A 1.7% increase over last year’s budget reflects the cost of inflation and the purchase of additional liability insurance for the city.

To balance the budget, the city will postpone most capital purchases and will freeze operating expenses, including employee wages and benefits, at last year’s level. Four public safety positions lost last year will not be restored.

Also, the city increased fees for services such as building and zoning and established some new fees. Among the new fees are those for Fire Department investigations and inspections. Waste management fees paid by the average residents will be boosted from $.75 to $2.10 per month.

City Administrator P. Michael Paules said fees in neighboring cities were surveyed to ensure that San Gabriel would not discourage new business and building with excessive rates.

Paules added that the city will have to consider tax increases or a reduction in services if the Legislature goes through with a plan to reduce its share of motor vehicle licensing fees.