PALOS VERDES ESTATES : City OKs Lower Budget With Some Wage Hikes

The City Council passed a 1994-95 budget of $12.3 million Tuesday, although the city must still conclude salary negotiations with sworn officers and other police department employees.

Before Tuesday’s 4-0 vote, the council had held four special budget meetings and a public hearing.

The new budget is 7.2% less than last year’s $13.5-million spending plan.

But Bill Yeomans, the city finance director, said residents should notice little change in services. He said last year’s budget was larger because it included a number of public works projects, such as storm drains.

The city reported a $3.5-million surplus, but officials say strings are attached to most of the money.

Included in the budget are 3% pay raises for all city employees except department heads and public safety workers.

Police officers have been asking for raises of 5% to 6% and rejected a recent offer of 3% with a 1% signing bonus--about $400, according to city and police officials.