LA MIRADA COUNCIL ADOPTS CITY BUDGET, SURPLUS OF $8 MILLION

By Brian Hews

The La Mirada City Council has approved the City’s budget for Fiscal Year   2017-18 with emphasis on public safety, capital improvements, and quality programs and services.

According to City manager Jeff Boynton, the City will see a surplus of $8 million for the fiscal year.

The budget was, “developed using prudent fiscal management practices and a conservative approach to revenue forecasting, the budget provides public safety services at a high level, maintains City programs and services to meet community needs and continues the robust capital improvements schedule.”

General Fund operating revenues are projected at over $44 million for the year while expenditures are budgeted at just over $35 million.

In a statement, City Manager Jeff Boynton said, “the adopted budget puts safety first by prioritizing funding for law enforcement services while continuing our commitment to responsible fiscal management. City finances have remained stable and investment in key infrastructure projects is evident throughout La Mirada.”

Almost $9 million is provided for Public Safety, including general law enforcement services, the Community Sheriff’s Station, probation and district attorney services, emergency preparedness, code enforcement, Neighborhood Watch, and other public safety volunteer programs.

$28.3 million is allocated for capital improvements and repairs.

Major projects proposed in Fiscal Year 2017-18 include Residential Street Improvement Phases III and IV, Santa Gertrudes (Alicante to Rosecrans).

The Phase III project area includes the rehabilitation of residential streets in the area bounded by Stage Road, Alondra Boulevard, Dalmatian Avenue, Barnwall Street, Ocaso Avenue, La Mirada Boulevard, Rosecrans Avenue, and the east City limit.

Improvements include resurfacing of street pavement, installation of curb access ramps, rehabilitation of storm drains, and removal and replacement of damaged curbs, gutters, and sidewalks.

Phase III is expected to be completed by the summer of 2017.

As of January of 2017, design for Phase IV was approximately 85 percent complete and construction will begin later in the year following repairs to Suburban Water System’s infrastructure.

“We are continuing to meet the objectives of the City’s robust Capital Improvement Projects program, ” says Public Works Director/ City Engineer Mark Stowell. “Phases III and IV will provide updated infrastructure in the affected neighborhoods. ”

Funding for the proposed projects includes $10.35 million from Measure I, $7.11 million from the General Fund, $2.36 million in Prop C funds, $2.25 million in Gas Tax funds, $2.55 million in Measure R funds, and $950,000 in Agency bond proceeds.

The Public Works Department will receive $7.2 million to maintain the City’s streets, parks, and recreational areas, parkways, medians, public buildings, and storm drain facilities.  This department will also coordinate and manage the City’s capital improvement projects.

The Community Services Department will receive $5.8 million to serve La Mirada’s recreational, leisure, and social needs.  The Department oversees senior services, youth sports, and community events, aquatics programs, contract classes, facility reservations, gymnasium programs, and social services.  Other programs include counseling, youth employment, and homebound meal delivery for seniors.

The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts will receive $6.4 million for productions, presentations, and other activities.  Fiscal Year 2017-18 will mark the Theatre’s 40th anniversary.  The Theatre is scheduling a special anniversary show in addition to a season of popular productions and presentations, which are expected to result in strong revenues and cover much of these costs.

The Community Development Department will receive $1.2 million for planning and building services, and housing programs.  With the improving economy, the number of projects reviewed and building permit activity has grown in recent years.

$3.7 million is budgeted for City administration, finance, economic development, personnel, risk management, information technology, and communications.  Another $712,000 is budgeted for legislative and policy responsibilities, city attorney services, city clerk’s office, and intergovernmental activities.

The new fiscal year begins Saturday, July 1.