A press release yesterday from the Mayor’s Office announced that one of the most anticipated, unpredictable and crucial budgets in Long Beach history will be presented this afternoon. City Manager Pat West – required to present a balanced budget by August 1 – will present the budget alongside Mayor Bob Foster, who will provide recommendations.
Questions loom. What changes (if any) have been made since West first presented a budget plan back in May? That plan dealt with a $43 million deficit, provided that benefit and compensation packages dropped by $23 million and City Departments cut their budgets by $20 million. How will it deal with the California legislators’ plan to raid another $20 million from the Long Beach budget to balance their own? Tomorrow’s presentation may also give a clearer view as to exactly what services will be cut, and to what extent.
Stay tuned to the lbpost.com for updates and perspective on today’s budget unveiling.
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