Budget Spares Sheriff, Infrastructure Projects

No funding cuts will be made to the local sheriff's station and infrastructure improvement projects, despite a $2-million revenue shortfall for the city,  the 2010-11 budget approved by the Calabasas City Council stipulates.

The council passed the budget on a 4-0 vote Wednesday (Councilman Jonathan Wolfson was absent), and thanked city staff for preparing a plan that trims spending while sparing key city services.

Chief Financial Officer Gary Lysik said revenue fell from $20.88 million in 2009-10 to $18.9 million projected next year due to a dip in sales tax revenue.

But he and and his staff found ways to make cuts that would not affect several capital improvement projects such as the $200,000 one for Parkway Calabasas  and a $1-million concrete rehabilitation project.

Council members collectively thanked staff for not recommending a cut in funding to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station.

"People complain that there are too many sheriffs on the road, then we must be doing the right thing," said Mayor Barry Groveman.

It's City Hall employees who will feel the brunt of the funding cuts. Personnel there will be given less supplies to use, they'll get lower cost of living expenses and they will have to refrain from attending training conferences on the city's dime, Lysik said.

"If tax revenues are not going up in the city, then city employees are feeling the pain," he said. Sales tax accounts for 32 percent of the city's income, more than any other source, Lysik explained.

Cuts were also made to the city's discretionary spending account, which is what funds many city-sponsored events and activities.

There won't be a local film festival next year or a "Snow, Snow, Snow," event according to Lysik's presentation. The plug was also pulled on a community service award program. Cutting those three events will save the city a combined $67,000.

Other major city celebrations, such as the $55,000 4th of July event, will go on as planned.

"I commend our staff for following the wishes of the council and showing creative and innovative ways to make the most of the money we have," said Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Washburn.

The 2010-11 fiscal year begins July 1.