New Budget Offers More for Public Safety

Following a public hearing during which residents requested more money for arts, public safety and health care facilities, the City Council gave final approval this week to a $29.4-million budget for the coming fiscal year.

The spending plan was approved in sections, with some votes unanimous and others split, because some council members declined to endorse portions of the proposed budget. While quibbling over some of specifics, city officials seemed generally pleased with the city’s financial condition.

Dubbed “relatively painless,” by City Manager Kenneth C. Frank, the budget calls for no hikes in fees or taxes and includes more spending on public safety and capital improvements.

As had been proposed, the council agreed to spend $17,300 to make three relief firefighters full-time employees and to allocate $17,000 to hire another 911 dispatcher.

In addition, the council set aside about $1 million for capital improvements, much of which is expected to eventually be allocated to launch the redevelopment of the Village Entrance, a high-profile corner across from the Festival of Arts grounds.

The council also made some last-minute changes to the proposed budget, including doubling to $8,000 the Fire Department’s training allowance; doubling to $10,000 an allocation for the chamber of commerce and donating $1,000 to help build a new emergency room at South Coast Medical Center.

The council had planned to give $6,500 to the Laguna Beach Community Clinic, an amount it would not boost Tuesday night, despite pleas from clinic board members, who are seeking funds to keep the financially imperiled clinic operating.

Council members were frustrated at trying to divide the $67,500 the city traditionally allots to community groups. This year, a mushrooming list of agencies had requested $220,000 from the city.

“We’ve got a real dicey situation,” Councilman Wayne J. Baglin said. “This $67,000 we’re playing with is too small anymore.”