City Discusses Cuts to Meet Shortfall

The city faces the prospect of cutbacks in jobs, programs and services to offset a projected $3.7-million shortfall for the 1996-97 operating budget, department heads told the City Council this week.

At a four-hour session Monday, 11 managers outlined service reductions that would be required if the city is to achieve cost reductions of $3 million to $5 million.

City Administrator Michael T. Uberuaga said one of the reasons that the city’s general fund is short is that $6.6 million has been diverted from the fiscal 1995-96 budget to the state.

Among reductions suggested are eliminating six police officer positions, including up to four officers who teach an anti-drug abuse program in the schools, an accident investigation officer and a helicopter pilot.

Police Chief Ronald E. Lowenberg said the potential cuts in sworn personnel would not affect field officers. “I can’t take any more police officers off the street,” he said.

Other potential reductions in the Police Department include canceling contracts for gang prevention and juvenile diversion programs and axing the Neighborhood Watch program.

Fire Chief Michael P. Dolder said budget reduction options in his department include eliminating 13 positions, including a fire captain, three fire engineers and one firefighter.

Community Services Director Ron Hagan said his department could save money by eliminating the senior outreach program, closing Oak View Community Center and cutting two staff positions in the Cultural Services Division.

Community Development could eliminate a planner and two code enforcement positions, officials said.