SOUTH GATE : Council Considers Assessment Fee Hike
The city is considering a plan to increase assessment fees by about $5 a month to help close a $1.3-million budget shortfall and avoid reducing police and park services. In the past three fiscal years, the city has lost $2 million to the state, including $759,000 last year.
Without raising any additional money, the city may have to reduce its 91-member police force by eight officers and eliminate its anti-gang unit. School crossing guards and recreation activities at parks also could be eliminated.
Officials hope to avoid the cuts by raising the assessment for the Lighting and Landscaping Assessment Maintenance District, with the money going to maintain South Gate and Hollydale parks. Funds raised through the district also go to maintain city traffic lights, trees and medians.
A question-and-answer session on the proposal will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the city sports center, 9520 Hildreth Ave., at South Gate Park. A public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at the same location.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
