Budget Balance Discussion Continues Tonight

Facing a lopsided budget, the Sierra Madre City Council heard recommendations for ways to cut city spending One of the suggestions was to reorganize staff, which would mean eliminating some positions, reassigning duties and recreating positions for others, while cutting hours for still a few more. Other suggestions were to cut city services like the aquatic program and library hours.

No decisions were made on any of the proposed cuts. Tonight, the City Council will hear part two of the City Staff’s suggestions for balancing the budget, these being centered around “maintenance and operational reductions.”

How Did the Budget Become Unbalanced?

The November 2011 windstorm took a major bite out of city funds, with of General Fund reserves. Additionally, the will cost the city approximately $800,000, and General Fund revenues from the Utility Users Tax, Franchise Fees and Sales Tax are coming in about $300,000 lower than originally expected.

is bringing in about $160,000 less than projected. Cable and trash revenues are about the same as last year while telephone, water and sewer revenues have declined, according to reports. Only electricity revenue has increased over last year.

Reports show that Franchise Fees and Sales Tax revenues are declining for the third year in a row.

What Will be Cut?

The City Council has not made any decisions on whether positions will be eliminated or services will be cut. At the last City Council meeting, a number of residents spoke out against eliminating staff members, urging city officials to remember the human element when they are faced with the possibility of laying someone off.

Stick with Patch for coverage from the City Council meeting.