NEWPORT BEACH : Council’s Budget Is $4 Million in the Red
The City Council has approved an $84-million budget for the coming fiscal year but will continue to review areas where spending can be cut.
The new budget projects a $4-million shortfall for fiscal 1995-96. To close the gap, the city considered--but rejected--several proposals, including one to eliminate city cars and commuter allowances for some employees.
The city also is considering charging fees to people who use the local library but live elsewhere.
An $82,680 fund for council and city staff travel was eliminated at the urging of Mayor John W. Hedges.
“If specific justification cannot be made for those items and they cannot withstand the glare of public scrutiny, we probably should not be spending money on them,” he said.
Over the mayor’s objections, however, the council on Monday maintained a $25,000 allocation for grants to service organizations and a $40,000 grant to arts and cultural organizations.
The council also approved a plan to spend $50,000 on new sidewalks and improvements in the Balboa Peninsula’s business district.
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