In an attempt to produce permanent revenue enhancement, the City Council has agreed to go to ballot with a Fire Suppression District assessment which would ask property owners to tax themselves to achieve a balanced budget.
City Council is looking at fee increases, proposed elimination of as many as 14 full-time positions and other controversial alternatives to balance the 1996-97 budget.
More than 400 people crammed City Hall and an adjacent outside courtyard Tuesday, as City Council wrestled with ways to slash $2 million from its annual budget.
The Arcadia City Council made good Tuesday night on its pledge to not let the budget sit for another 6 months, making cuts which will total approximately $300,000 annually.
Arcadia City Council on Wednesday called for a study on whether it should contract with Los Angeles County for its fire protection services. The decision came after a marathon 5 1/2 hour session on the budget that attracted more than 400 spectators.
Tuesday's City Council meeting saw a 4-1 approval of a recommendation to direct staff to prepare to place a 2% utility tax on the ballot in April 1998.
City Council has directed staff to Begin the process of placing a General Obligation Bond Issue on the Nov. 2, 1999 ballot. If approved, the bond issue will be used to partially fund construction of a new police station.
City Council voted to appoint a financial advisory committee to examine the city's financial policies and the size of its reserve fund, then report back to the Council by December.