Parks, Schools Reveal Bankruptcy’s Effects

A year after the county filed for bankruptcy, many residents have yet to feel the full effect of the financial debacle--but they may.

Here are some of the areas where the $1.7-billion loss could hit the average family:

* Parks: On Jan. 1, the county plans to raise dozens of user fees at parks, beaches and harbors. That will increase the price of parking, camping and picnic-area reservations. The holiday vehicle entry fee at regional parks will jump from $2 to between $5 and $8.

Beach parking rates will increase from 75 cents to $1 an hour. Admission to the Orange County Zoo, now free, will be $1. The county has also postponed plans to open new parks and other facilities in Huntington Beach and elsewhere.

* Garbage: In an effort to recover costs, the county increased landfill dumping fees by more than 50%. The action has increased the average household annual trash bill by as much as $12, depending on how much of the fee hike was passed along. Individuals also will pay more to deposit trash at county landfills.

* Libraries: The Orange County public library system has increased a variety of fees and fines. The fine for an overdue book jumped from 20 cents to 25 cents per day, while the cost of replacing a lost library card doubled from $1 to $2. Some city-run libraries also increased fees they charge nonresidents for services.

* Schools: Many districts were forced to postpone planned purchases of classroom computers and other high-technology items. Schools are relying more heavily than ever on donations from parents and local businesses. In some cases, parents are being asked to pay extra fees for special student activities.

* County services: The county has increased charges for parcel-map processing and certain types of voter information. The fine for delinquent tax payments was also hiked. The Sheriff’s Department has been forced to curtail work on some old unsolved murder cases.