City Department Runs Up Deficit

The Los Angeles Housing Department overspent the budget for its apartment inspection program by $250,000 last year, according to City Controller Laura Chick, who called Tuesday for reforms to avoid future red ink.

Chick proposed better internal controls to identify potential deficits earlier, as well as improved communications with city budget planners.

“In this case, the department didn’t want to reduce service levels for an important program,” Chick said. “I can appreciate that, but running the program into the red is no solution either.”