BREA

City officials are so confident they can provide good customer service that they have been backing it up with cash. Through a pilot program, six departments have been doling out cash for the last six months should city workers break certain promises.

For example, customers will receive a $25 fee deduction if the city clerk’s department doesn’t issue an entertainment permit in 15 days. The community services department refunds fees to any participant unsatisfied with the first session of a program. Other departments participating in the program are the fire, police and financial and development services.