SEAL BEACH : City Still Seeks Help With Pier Repairs

City officials continue to seek donations from government and business to help pay for repairs to the fire-damaged Seal Beach Pier.

The city has contacted several state and federal agencies as well as local legislators to see if any grants or loans are available.

Mayor George Brown has written to the heads of Rockwell International--which is headquartered in Seal Beach--and Walt Disney Co. requesting help.

The May 21 fire caused $350,000 in damage. While the repairs are covered by insurance, the city must pay a $100,000 deductible. The unforeseen expense has upset the city’s 1994-95 budget calculations.

“I don’t want to go hat in hand,” Brown said of his fund-raising campaign. “We are trying to locate an organization that would like to make a grant or donation to a good city that has some short-term financial problems.”

Brown plans to send out dozens of letters to corporations, insurance companies, elected officials and charitable organizations. He has also asked Seal Beach residents who have worked for major companies to provide him with contacts.

Brown’s letter does not directly ask prospective donors for a set amount of money. Rather, it outlines Seal Beach’s situation and asks for suggestions on what the city should do.

City officials expect to present a balanced budget later this month despite the $100,000 it will have to pay toward pier repairs. But the added expense will force more cuts in city departments.

The city has reduced staffing and spending by 20% over the last three years. Last year, the City Council was forced to more than double the utility tax as a way of closing a budget deficit.

Brown also plans to write to Vice President Al Gore to see if he has any advice for the city.