Simi Officials Send $37.2-Million Preliminary Budget to Council

With revenues up substantially for the first time in a decade, city officials unveiled a preliminary budget of $37.2 million Friday, asking that more money be spent on police officers, environmental services and a number of social and cultural programs.

Although City Council members still must trim at least $300,000 in suggested expenditures to balance the budget, they have more money than usual to work with: estimated revenues of $35.9 million and about $1 million left unspent from the current fiscal year.

“I can’t remember the last time we had a budget that looked so good,” said Mayor Greg Stratton. “But that isn’t going to stop any of us from taking a fine-toothed comb to this thing . . . Believe me, we will be asking our staff some pretty tough questions.”

Beginning June 8 the council will meet with department heads to go over the budget and prune it until a final draft is adopted by the end of the month.

City staff members have also set a special meeting for Wednesday to meet with residents who have questions or suggestions about the budget.

Of the 10 departments petitioning the council for money, only four are asking for less than they did last year.

The Simi Valley Police Department is asking for an additional $368,900 to cover anticipated salary increases, while the Department of Environmental Services is asking for $343,800 more for contracting services and for maintenance.

Officials have also asked for an additional $62,700 to support the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, the Meals on Wheels and senior escort programs.

Council members have a long way to go before a final budget is adopted, but preliminary drafts have made them confident they will not only be able to balance it, but also initiate some programs that have been tabled in past years.

Stratton said the council will be deciding whether to fund a request from the Police Department to add new communications and computer equipment to patrol cars.

The council may also earmark more money for its street repairs project.

“It enables the council to do some things it hasn’t been able to do in the past,” said City Manager Mike Sedell. “But all of that will be weighed very carefully in the coming meetings . . . Nothing is definite yet.”

Councilwoman Barbara Williamson said she will be taking a hard look at plans to enhance the aesthetics of Simi Valley--a goal that has become a priority for her this year.

“That’s what I’m interested in,” she said. “I want this city to look beautiful, and it looks like we’ve got an opportunity to do that.”