Budget Boosts Police, Park Maintenance

Increases in police services and maintenance for parks and sports fields are included in the city’s $10.2-million budget for fiscal 1996-97.

The spending plan approved by the City Council is about $91,500 higher than last year’s budget, said Cynthia L. Pendleton, administrative services director.

Spending for law enforcement services will rise by $300,000 to $3.4 million. “This budget continues our commitment to public safety,” City Manager George Scarborough said.

The increase will pay for a new patrol deputy, a parking enforcement officer, installation of two patrol unit video cameras and the cost of joining the countywide 800-megahertz emergency communications system.

The new budget also includes about $60,000 for gang suppression programs.

Pendleton said that park maintenance costs will increase by $70,000 this year with the opening of the 18-acre San Juan Capistrano Sports Park.

Despite increased spending, the city is anticipating a budget surplus of $40,000, Pendleton said, in part because of a projected $50,000 increase in parking fines since the addition of a parking enforcement officer in January.

The city also expects a $175,000 increase in sales tax revenue and a decrease insurance costs, officials said.