Council to Consider Citizen Finance Panel

Concern over Proposition 218’s effect on the city budget is prompting the City Council to consider naming a blue-ribbon citizens’ advisory committee on finances.

The council is scheduled to discuss the proposal at its meeting Tuesday night. “It’s on the agenda, and the council will decide whether to name a committee and how they want to do it,” said Tami Piscotty, senior management assistant on the city staff.

Piscotty noted that the idea for a blue-ribbon committee came up during a study session of council members on Proposition 218. That initiative, passed Nov. 5 by a majority of statewide voters, limits local governments in assessing fees or charges.

City Manager Daniel E. Keen has said La Palma will lose about $600,000 in the next fiscal year because of Proposition 218.

At their study session Feb. 18, council members directed Keen to make budget cuts and to use city reserves to tide over the new fiscal year beginning July 1. But the council members also said they want some long-term suggestions on how the city may cope with its budget problems. That’s when some on the council suggested appointing a citizens’ advisory committee.

The meeting will be at City Hall, 7822 Walker St., at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Information: (714) 523-7700.