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.
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.
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.
Arcadia's City Council was unable to elect a Mayor at Tuesday's Council meeting, with 5 members splitting their votes 3 ways. Several council members are interviewed.
The City Council approved a $25.7 million general fund budget after resolving a $418,000 projected shortfall and agreeing to the closure of City Hall on alternate Fridays.
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.
The City Council passed a resolution supporting the Arcadia Coalition for Education, a group of educators and community members demanding more state money for schools.
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.
The City Council voted 3-1, with Councilman Sheng Chang dissenting, to do nothing with a request from an Arcadia resident to enact a citywide ban on leaf blowers.