IRVINE : City Budget Reflects Slight Improvement

In a sign that the city’s financial picture is improving slightly, city officials tonight will present the 1994-95 fiscal budget that balances the city’s books without eliminating jobs or raising taxes.

The proposed budget would also put $3 million in the city’s reserves.

“It’s brightening, although it is a meager brightening,” City Manager Paul O. Brady Jr. said of Irvine’s fiscal health. “What we have now we will have next year.”

The lingering recession combined with a slow-down in residential development has hit City Hall hard in recent years, reducing tax and fee revenue.

But the situation has improved in recent months, Brady said, reducing the need for a new round of cutbacks.

In January, the City Council approved the elimination of 70 jobs in an effort to close a $4.5-million shortfall.

Some workers were laid off, while many others decided to take early retirement.

Another set of cuts occurred last October, when the council voted to lay off eight workers and reduce the number of out-of-town conventions for officials.

Brady said making the cuts throughout the year when deficits were identified prevented massive budget slashing now.

The city has cut more than 100 jobs over the three years at a savings of more than $12 million.

Brady said the $59-million general fund budget for 1994-95 avoids tax increases or significant cuts in city services.

The City Council will review the budget tonight. After making modifications and seeking public input, the council is set to take a final vote on the budget later this summer.