IRVINE : City Budget Vote Expected Tonight

The City Council is expected to vote tonight on a proposed $63.6-million budget that balances the city’s books without increasing taxes or substantially cutting services.

The council will examine a revised budget that takes into account comments and suggestions that council members made two weeks ago, when they first studied the proposal.

The council has given a generally warm reception to City Manager Paul O. Brady Jr.’s budget plan, though some members want to increase funding for the Police Department and cultural arts programs.

The budget for the 1993-94 fiscal year calls for eliminating 33 city positions. But because 28 of those positions are now vacant, only five full-time employees face layoffs. Three part-time workers are also slated for layoff.

The most controversial part of the budget has been the proposed layoff of Henry Korn, the cultural affairs manager. Some residents have criticized the move, saying the city needs Korn’s fund-raising and arts expertise.

Officials said the cuts were necessary to help close a $3.5-million budget shortfall caused in part by cuts in state funding.