Countywide : City Officials Vent Anger at State Cuts

Officials from Orange County cities vented their anger and frustration Friday, telling state Assemblywoman Doris Allen that their communities face dramatic cuts in services because the state is reducing revenues to local governments.

To cope with worsening financial troubles, cities are resorting to tax increases, considering proposals for gambling clubs, and cost-cutting measures such as joining with the county for certain services--all to the dismay of their constituents.

“We’re all running scared, and we’re almost in a panic mode,” Westminster Mayor Charles V. Smith said.

City leaders blame the state Legislature for making cutbacks in revenue to their cities to balance the state budget. But legislative leaders say they had only shifted revenue to local governments to help ease the pain that followed the imposition of Proposition 13, which cut property tax rates.

Officials aired their anger over the state’s cuts to Allen (R-Cypress) during a Friday morning meeting at Fountain Valley City Hall.

City Council members and officials from Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Cypress, Stanton, Westminster, Los Alamitos and Garden Grove all echoed the same sentiments--that the state’s cuts must stop in order for their cities to survive.

Allen agreed to help cities in her 71st Assembly District, and to try to stop the drain of revenue, such as property taxes and redevelopment funds.

City leaders said they are facing the backlash when services are cut or taxes are raised. But they also reminded Allen that, eventually, the public outcry will reach legislators as well.

Westminster Mayor Smith was not optimistic for relief: “It looks like it’s going to get worse. . . .” Westminster plans to fight back, though, and is considering challenging the state in court for taking away its redevelopment funds.

Allen told the group of about 30 city officials that she shares their frustrations. “I’ve seen the state go down the tubes,” Allen said. “And not being able to stop it has been one of the most frustrating things I’ve had to endure--and I hate it.”