City Manager Pat West presented his proposed budget for fiscal year 2009 with Mayor Bob Foster at his side this morning, with a general fund of $404.2 million. The process of balancing the budget was made difficult with a projected $16.9 million deficit, but both the City Manager and Mayor called upon city departments to make cutbacks and streamline operations
that amounted to the elimination of five bureaus and 117 city positions. The Mayor is also recommending that all elected officials accept a 10% budget reduction.
The budget also calls for the elimination of the Police Athletic League (PAL), which is a Police-run recreation program for youth in areas with a lack of available resources. Eliminating the program puts instant money into the general fund and allows six police officers to move to on-street duties.
“This budget is in keeping with our fiscal condition in the city,” Mayor Foster said. “We’ll still be able to deliver the services that people expect. This makes us a leaner city, and I believe the efficiency changes that were needed have taken place.”
Both the Mayor and City Manager stressed the importance of creating a streamlined budget that will be sustainable for years to come, putting Long Beach on the right track toward fiscal responsibility. State cutbacks and a struggling economy threaten to have a drastic negative impact on the inner-workings of the city.
More details, numbers and images will be available as we continue to dissect the plan.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor