$3-Million Outlay for Neighborhoods Proposed

City officials Friday unveiled a budget plan for next year that proposes a $3-million injection of funds to begin shoring up the city’s neighborhoods and an extra $1.9 million for the Police Department, but also raises natural gas prices and increases fines for parking violations.

Mayor Beverly O’Neill and City Manager James Hankla introduced the plans, which include a one-shot, $3-million expenditure to repair the city’s aging infrastructure, such as sidewalks, roads, storm drains and bridges.

The measure follows concern voiced by residents in a recent city-sponsored survey that stemming the decline of neighborhoods should be a priority for the next two to five years. The city has estimated that $800 million is needed to upgrade city infrastructure.

The plan proposes more support staff and new equipment for the Police Department. But it also includes a $3 increase in parking citations for street sweeping violations, bringing the fine to $31. That figure is in line with Beverly Hills, Culver City and Santa Monica, city officials said. The budget also raises the price of natural gas by about 10%, bringing costs in line with Southern California Gas Co.

If the council endorses the proposals, the annual budget deficit will shrink from $39 million to $20 million, said Bob Torrez, director of finance for the city. The city is dipping into its reserves to make up the difference.