BURBANK : Red Cross May Join L.A. Chapter by July

The Burbank chapter of the American Red Cross could merge with the Los Angeles chapter as soon as July, Red Cross officials said Monday.

Last week, the board of directors of the Burbank chapter voted to join the Los Angeles group, saying that financial troubles made it difficult for the chapter to continue operating on its own. The merger would leave Burbank without its own Red Cross organization, but services in the city would continue at present levels.

“Everything will be the same,” said Gay Weston, Burbank chapter executive director. “But someone else will be paying the bills.”

The Los Angeles chapter’s board of directors will vote on the merger April 20, said Ann Sobel, associate manager for the Los Angeles chapter. “We’re not anticipating opposition,” Sobel said.

If the Los Angeles chapter accepts the merger, it would then be finalized by the Red Cross’ National Board of Governors when they meet in May, and the merger could go into effect with the new fiscal year in July, “pending those approvals,” Sobel said.

A small group of the Burbank board had made a last-ditch effort to save the chapter, but had failed.

“Burbank likes to retain its autonomy,” Weston said. “I can understand that, but you have to look at the costs.”

The Burbank chapter is projecting a $7,500 deficit for the 1993-94 fiscal year, the third year in a row that the agency has fallen short financially.

The current recession has cut the amount the Burbank chapter receives in donations from both the general public and the United Way, Weston said.