La Mirada Approves Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21, Retains Key Services

At its June 9 meeting, the La Mirada City Council adopted the budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21.  The budget for the new fiscal year, which begins July 1, includes a modified program due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The approved budget also reflects the City’s commitment to providing programs and services that will continue to enhance the quality of life for La Mirada residents.

General fund budget revenues are conservatively estimated to be $31.2 million. General fund operating expenditures are projected to be $33 million. The City will use General fund reserves to bridge any budget gap.

The Public Health Orders issued by the State and County to help control the spread of the coronavirus has impacted the City’s Theatre and Community Servicesprogramming due to limitations on large gatherings and social distancing requirements. As a result, the City’s General Fund operating revenues will be lower from the suspension of normal programs.

“The economic downturn created by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused fiscal challenges for cities across the nation,” says City Manager Jeff Boynton. “The City of La Mirada remains dedicated to exploring cost-effective means of providing key services to the community.”

Public Safety is budgeted at $10 million and Public Works is budgeted at $7.5 million. The remaining $15.5 million is for City Administration, Community Development, Community Services, and the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Maintaining the City’s infrastructure remains among the City’s top priorities. Slightly more than $10 million is included in the Capital Improvement Projects Fund. Capital Improvement Projects for this fiscal year include Phase 6 of residential street improvements, which will begin in the fall and will be completed in two separate segments.  Improvements for this project include pavement rehabilitation, replacement of damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk, upgrades to existing and placement of new handicap curb access ramps, slurry seal of recently repaved streets, and storm drain repairs. Other projects include Gymnasium air conditioning, maintenance building at Regional Park, neighborhood slurry seal projects, painting of the historic buildings at Neff Park, and various other facility repairs.

The City has a long-standing commitment to financial accountability and prudent fiscal practices.  The City’s budget can be viewed by visiting cityoflamirada.org.

For more information, contact City Hall at (562) 943-0131.