Socialism, planned-community style. Spending $40K on banners.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-243915-million-community.html
Among the proposed budget cuts for the coming fiscal year are:
•A hiatus on the city-sponsored Sizzlin' Summer Concerts, the annual Pacific Symphony concert and the Joyful Jingles concerts, which is expected to save the city $42,000.
•A hiatus on the patriotic and holiday banners placed along city streets, which is expected to save the city $41,000.
•A reduction in overlapping free swim hours at the Northwood and William Woollett Jr. Aquatic Centers, consolidating winter and spring camps and after-school programs to fewer locations, and combining pre-teen and teen camp services at Heritage Park, which is collectively expected to save $187,000.
•Reducing the city's financial support of the Irvine Barclay Theater from $925,000 this fiscal year to $750,000.
The city would also hold off on planning for construction of new city facilities, including a new police headquarters adjacent to the Great Park and the expansion of the animal-care facility.
Taking $14 million from city reserves would leave a little less than $8 million in "rainy day funds." Despite the cutbacks, the city would still move forward with several high profile projects – including the construction on Jeffrey Road, planned work on Sand Canyon Avenue, and a renovation of the community center at Northwood Community Park – which are being financed separate from the city's general fund.
Even with the cut, Councilwoman Beth Krom noted that the city will still provide support to numerous community partners, including the Barclay Theater, the Legal Aid Society, the Orange County Human Relations Commission, the Discovery Science Center and millions worth of support for local schools.
"I don't want our pursuit of saving every last penny to alter our commitment to this theme of working in partnership with the community," Councilwoman Beth Krom said.
Others worried that city revenue may not bounce back as quickly as expected in city projections.
"I don't want to be a naysayer and say the sky is falling, but the sky is drizzling a lot," Councilwoman Christina Shea said.
