City Sees Possible $925,000 Deficit

Oxnard’s City Council has adopted a financial forecast that predicts a $925,000 budget deficit next year if services remain at existing levels.

The council voted Tuesday to approve the blueprint for a $62.4-million spending plan for the city’s 1996-97 budget.

Although analysts are still reviewing ways to close the deficit, one possibility being considered involves increasing franchise fees the city collects from electric and gas companies. City officials said Tuesday this option would not result in any changes to consumer utility rates.

The budget plan includes no more money for public safety, youth services, street maintenance and other areas the City Council has suggested it wants increased. The council’s wish list amounts to an additional $1.48 million in appropriations.

But no figures are permanent, and city analysts say the forecast only provides a starting point for staff members to put together next year’s budget.

“We have projected what we believe will be the revenue available for general fund operations,” said Dennis Scala, a city management analyst. “By having the council review the scenario and buy into our analysis, we know what numbers to use when we prepare the budget.”