Monrovia : New Budget Cuts Services

The City Council has adopted a $26.9-million budget, cutting services for the second consecutive year but increasing city salaries.

To balance the 1992-93 budget, adopted at a special meeting Wednesday, the council shortened hours at the city’s engineering counter, community center and children’s game room and eliminated several recreational programs, including adult softball, swimming and open volleyball.

Travel budgets were cut in seven departments.

The city staff received pay raises of 2.5% to 4%, which city officials said will put their salaries at 1% below the average in the San Gabriel Valley. Management received a smaller increase, placing it 2.5% to 4% below the valley average. The pay package added $590,000 to the budget.

In addition, increased maintenance costs, sewer and water replacement, and street resurfacing projects accounted for an increase of $2.7 million over last year’s budget of $24.2 million.

The budget makes no provision for a potential 10% cut that would be necessary if the Legislature decides to cut cities’ share of property taxes and vehicle registration fees to make up its estimated $11-billion budget shortfall, Finance Director Paul E. Harmon said.