Update / Follow-up on the news
It’s two months late and it’s cut close to the bone, but the city finally has a budget.
The City Council this week voted 3 to 2 to approve a $38.9-million spending plan, up slightly over last year’s $38.4-million budget to reflect cost-of-living salary increases.
The council had delayed the vote on the budget in July, when the fiscal year started, so city finance officials could have more time to slice $500,000 to balance the spending plan.
Though no fees or local taxes were increased in the budget, several popular programs and seven positions were dropped to close the deficit. The programs lost include the popular Citizens Police Academy, the Cultural Arts Foundation, the summer program at the Teen Center, Club Dare and Halloween and Easter events.
Though he voted against the spending plan, Councilman Don R. Griffin agreed that the cuts--a prelude to a potential deficit of $2 million looming over next year’s budget--were unavoidable.
“I think we have a bright future,” Griffin said. “But the lean and mean budget we have before us tonight is needed and the cuts and necessary.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
