Public Safety Spending Boosted in Budget Plan

City officials will begin scrutinizing Anaheim’s 1996-97 budget proposal today at the first of two study sessions.

Public safety is a high priority in the $588-million budget that would be the city’s most optimistic in years. Plans call for a $2-million boost in police funding that would be used in part to hire five more officers. That would bring the number of sworn officers to 389.

The Fire Department would see a $516,000 boost in funding, mainly to pay for increased labor costs.

Also included in the budget proposal are funds for the Anaheim Hills police substation, as well as appropriations for the downtown community center and the Convention Center; and for development of the Sportstown Anaheim sports, entertainment and retail complex.

City Manager James D. Ruth said the proposed budget was balanced without relying on one-time revenue or tapping reserves. That “signals a return to budgeting through more prudent and traditional means” following a five-year recession, Ruth said.

The initial study session will focus on financial plans for Anaheim Stadium and the Convention Center, community services, the visitors bureau, human resources and several other areas of city government.

City departments to be included at the second budget workshop, set for 2 p.m. June 11, will be police, fire, public utilities, public works, community development, planning and finance.

Today’s budget session is from 2 to 4 p.m. at City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.

Adoption of the budget will be considered by the City Council at its June 11 meeting.

Information: (714) 254-5100.