Laguna Niguel : Proposed City Budget Contains Few Changes

City officials, faced with a stagnant local economy and the county bankruptcy, have prepared a conservative 1995-96 proposed budget, according to figures released this week.

Overall revenue is expected to drop $411,000, leading to a $14.5-million operating budget that shows few large changes from last year.

The biggest revenue decline will come from a predicted $316,000 drop in building fees. In addition, interest revenue will shrink by $250,000, partly because of lower interest rates. City officials will also be drawing from interest-bearing accounts to pay for capital improvement projects that had been delayed this fiscal year because of the county bankruptcy.

In balancing the budget, City Manager Tim Casey is holding the line on new hires. Two part-time positions are being upgraded to full-time jobs, but next year’s budget would eliminate one full-time job and a part-time slot in the Planning Department.

The cost of policing the streets will go up $227,000, with another $100,000 set aside for the city’s share of a new, countywide public safety radio system.

The budget will reflect some change for Laguna Niguel, including the establishment of a cultural arts committee and the ongoing Shop Laguna program. Bids will be taken for a roller hockey rink and for street sweeping.

Helping to pay for these programs will be an expected increase in sales-tax revenue when the Marketplace at Laguna Niguel expands to include Wal-Mart and other stores.