Los Al To See Small Budget Surplus, Latest Figures Show

When June rolls around, Los Alamitos will have a $9,915 surplus, according to the latest budget figures.

During a review of the city's 2013-14 financial plan, Staff presented the numbers at a special City Council meeting Monday night. Los Alamitos has about $11.7 million in its general fund and about $7.6 million in reserves.

According to staff, the budget will provide for a number of expenses, including maintenance of the newly created Coyote Creek Park, replacement of the city’s aging phone system and a 2.5 percent cost of living raise for part-time employees, who last had their cost of living adjustment in September 2006.

In the next fiscal year, city staff projects $3,001,210 in property tax revenue — a $117,210 increase; $2,667,000 in sales tax revenue — a $21,700 increase; and $2,093,360 in the utility users tax — a $63,640 decrease.

The budget review gave officials a chance to ask questions, express concerns and talk about how they wanted to spend or save the money. A number of officials said the city had just come through tough budget times and must proceed cautiously.

Meeting Highlights:

—Some councilmembers said they’d like to create a policy to officially decide when the city would pay for police officers to serve during non-city-run public events.

—Mayor Pro Tem Gerri Graham-Mejia said she wants to increase the hours of certain camp programs at Orville Lewis Park and Little Cottonwoods Park.

“Now that we’re in a better financial position, we can be in the position to do a little bit more,” Graham-Mejia said.

—Councilman Troy Edgar said he thought some of the city’s projected revenue figures seemed too optimistic  and that the city should take a more conservative approach toward spending and fiscal planning.

“I think that we are in a very good financial position and that the council’s been great stewards of the money,” Edgar said. However, he added, “I don’t want us to get this sense of comfort after we’ve navigated through this tough last three years.”

—Some officials said they want to talk more at a future meeting about how much money the city should set aside for a disaster.

“I would like to discuss if our emergency discussion is sufficient,” said Councilman Richard Murphy. 

—The next budget discussion is May 20 5 p.m. at 3191 Katella Avenue at City Hall. Officials and staff will discuss special funds and capital projects. 

City staff expects the City Council to adopt the final budget in the middle of June.

 Stay Patched in! Check out some of Los Alamitos, Rossmoor and Seal Beach's other top stories here. | Like Los Alamitos Patch on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and sign up for the daily email with links to the latest local news.