NEWPORT BEACH : Budget, Contract on Council Agenda

The City Council will hold a special hearing Wednesday afternoon to discuss the proposed 1993-94 budget, which includes elimination of 48 jobs and raising taxes.

Also expected is a City Council vote to approve a multiyear contract for Police Department employees, who have been working without one since last June.

City officials have refused to disclose the terms of the contract until after the Newport Beach Police Employees Assn. and the Newport Beach Police Management Assn. vote on it today, City Manager Kevin J. Murphy said.

Because the city is attempting to close a projected $6-million gap in its 1993-94 budget, officials have prepared unprecedented cuts in staffing combined with several revenue-raising measures in order to balance the $87-million budget.

Council members will review the proposed budgets line by line but will not take any votes.

Wednesday’s budget hearing will be followed by others on Monday, May 12 and May 24. The city is hoping to adopt its annual budget before the beginning of the fiscal year, July 1.

Wednesday’s hearing will begin at 4 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.