No Raises, Jobs in Budget Proposal

Council members this week reviewed a proposed spending plan that lacks any salary hikes or new positions but maintains service levels.

The 1998-99 proposed budget calls for citywide expenditures of $25.2 million, which includes a $17.5-million operating budget, an increase of 2.8% from this fiscal year.

Major expenses include nearly $80,000 to make the Civic Center and fire stations earthquake safe, and $48,500 for computer software updates.

While the proposed budget lacks money for salary increases, all city employees received a 2.5% raise last year.

Officials attributed other expense increases to a new $20,000 transcriptions service that allows patrol officers to avoid writing police reports in the field.

Also, fire and paramedic services provided by contract through the Orange County Fire Authority increased $101,195, or 3.4%.

On the revenue side, the city expects about $1.8 million through a 4% utility users tax.

The council is expected to adopt the budget June 16. A budget study session will be at 5 p.m. June 2.

Copies of the preliminary budget are available for review at the library and city clerk’s office.