Council to Review City Budget Tonight

The City Council tonight will review its proposed $12.6-million annual operating budget at its first public hearing on the issue.

The budget is 1.6% lower than last year’s, mostly because of cost-cutting efforts within departments, City Manager Stephen B. Julian said.

Projected revenue is up 3.9% from last year, from $13.6 million in 1995-96 to $14.1 million in 1996-97, giving the city a $1.5-million operating surplus.

Despite a leaner budget, costs for police services are expected to increase 8%, from $4.3 million to $4.7 million, with the city proposing to hire another sergeant to be shared with San Juan Capistrano.

Other proposed expenditures for next year include $750,000 for a citywide street resurfacing program, $250,000 for improvements at the Creekside Park Senior Center, $200,000 to continue the Town Center beautification project and $142,000 for animal control services.

The hearing is at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern.