Reed Calls for $48 Million in New County Budget Cuts

As officials struggle to find ways to shrink Los Angeles County’s health-care system, the county’s top administrator on Friday called for almost $48 million in new budget cuts in law enforcement and other government programs, including closing five probation camps for youthful offenders.

In another sign that the county’s fiscal crisis is far from over, Chief Administrative Officer Sally Reed said she will urge the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to reduce spending in 11 county departments ranging from the sheriff’s to the district attorney’s.

In a memo to the supervisors, Reed said the newest round of budget cuts became necessary when the county failed to win approval of several crucial measures in the final hours of the state legislative session Sept. 16.

They would have provided $72.7 million in relief by funding probation camps and allowing the supervisors to reduce general-relief payments for the poor and cut services to the mentally ill.