$2.8-Billion, Balanced Budget Gets Final OK
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday gave its final approval to the city’s $2.8-billion budget for 1999-2000.
The balanced budget reflects greater spending, fueled by a healthy rise in taxes and fees collected by the city in the midst of a robust economy. It will devote more money to hiring police officers and firefighters, resurfacing hundreds of miles of city streets and reducing the number of stray dogs roaming many neighborhoods.
The council also sustained vetoes on two items by Mayor Richard Riordan. In doing so, the lawmakers agreed to the mayor’s wish to restore two planned budget cuts, of $1 million to L.A.’s Best, a popular after-school program, and $1.5 million for street resurfacing.
Riordan called the final budget “a victory for neighborhoods and children. “I am thrilled,” he said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
