LA PALMA

Due to the public’s overwhelmingly negative response to the city’s automated phone system, officials might add a receptionist to the payroll, said Tami Piscotty, city clerk. Such an expenditure was noted in the city’s 1999-2000 budget, which the City Council discussed at its Tuesday meeting. Though direct phone lines will be set up for some of the city’s 66 staff members, the receptionist could receive their calls, which would then be forwarded. The receptionist would also handle walk-up water bill payments. The new employee would earn $30,000, with benefits, annually, Piscotty said. The council is slated to adopt the budget June 1.