City Ponders $350,000 Budget Gap Created by Prop. 218

The passage of Proposition 218 means there will have to be cuts in the city’s budget. The only question that remains is where the $350,000 trim will come from.

The City Council has scheduled a special session for Dec. 23 to discuss the state ballot measure, approved Nov. 5, that restricts cities’ ability to raise taxes and requires them to place a host of assessments before voters.

City Manager Terry Matz has predicted that, because of Proposition 218, Stanton will have to cut its budget by $350,000 this year.

While officials are concerned that there may be less money to keep parks clean and streets lighted, their biggest worry is that they will have to cut police and fire protection because of budgetary constraints.

Councilman Harry Dotson said the loss of revenue would be devastating to the small city, where increased police protection has resulted in lower crime rates in recent years.

“I’m afraid if we cut any more, we are going to be back to Crimesville,” Dotson said.

At Tuesday’s session, the council also welcomed new member Al Ethans and elected Brian Donahue as mayor for the coming year. David Shawver was chosen mayor pro tem.

The Dec. 23 meeting will be at 8 a.m. at City Hall, 7800 Katella Ave. Information: (714) 379-9222.