Local gains made in finalized budget
Tim Willert
It took more than 27 hours behind closed doors, but the state
Assembly on Tuesday approved a compromise budget that stands to
benefit the city and school district.
After a marathon negotiating session, the budget bill passed 56-22
after $300 million was added in spending to benefit local
governments, law enforcement, schools and farmers.
“We were able to make some tweaks, which I think will please both
City Hall and our local schools because it means a little more money
for them in this budget,” said Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-Burbank),
who voted in favor of the budget.
The plan would reduce the amount of money in property-tax revenue
the state can take from local redevelopment agencies, from $250
million approved by the Senate on Sunday night to $135 million passed
by the Assembly.
It was unclear late Tuesday how much the city, which was
anticipating a $3-million loss in property-tax revenue, will save.
“This certainly isn’t the worst case,” Assistant City Manager Dave
Newsham said. “We hope for the best case, and this is somewhere in
the middle.”
Additionally, the proposed budget would return about $50 million
to California schools, including $173,642 to Burbank Unified.
“If, in fact, there is a net gain in the district, it would
certainly be a very welcome development,” school board member Paul
Krekorian said late Tuesday. “Personally, I would want to try to
minimize the impact of some of our layoffs of personnel.”
Board President Trish Burnett called the proposed windfall
“absolutely wonderful news.”
“I know we’re looking at another budget crisis next year,” Burnett
said. “I’m not sure if we’re going to look at the future and use it,
or use it for immediate needs.”
Frommer said while approving the budget was a relief for weary
legislators, more work remains.
“This budget approach, which was pushed on us by the Senate, has
an $8-billion shortfall, which means we’re going to have to deal with
that next year,” Frommer said. “We’re rolling over $10 billion in
debt over a five-year period, which I think is questionable.”
Gov. Gray Davis is expected to sign the near $100-billion proposal
this week.
Reporters Ben Godar and Molly Shore contributed to this story