Reserve funds that were set aside for city infrastructure improvements may have to be used to deal with state budget cuts, as proposed by city manager Bill Kelly.
City staff projects a $3.5 million deficit in the 2010-2011 fiscal year, due in large part to rising retirement costs. City Manager Bill Kelly told City Council that even with the Caruso mall, expansion at Westfield Shoppingtown and at Rusnak auto dealership, the city still faces a budget shortfall in about 5 years. He suggested a library assessment district as a potential revenue source.
Many San Gabriel Valley cities are seeing an increase in property tax revenues in the 2009-2010 fiscal year, namely San Marino, Arcadia, Bradbury, Alhambra and South Pasadena. Arcadia's property tax revenue is expected to be $3,359,282.80 compared to $3,294,314.77 in 2008-2009. Other cities' figures are given. In the average city, property taxes make up 11% of the city budget.
City Manager Bill Kelly outlined his proposed budget for the 2003-2004 fiscal year which begins July 1. The Arcadia City Council will hold a public hearing and is scheduled to adopt it at its June 17 meeting.
The Arcadia city budget of $35.8 million for the 2003-2004 fiscal year was unveiled and will be the subject of a public hearing June 14. City Manager Bill Kelly called the spending program "flat line," with only 1.5 new city jobs in the coming year. Kelly said Arcadia is protected from possible cuts to meet state budget uncertainties because of $6 million in reserves, which were earmarked but never spent in a previous budget. The city is safe for at least the next two budget years.
The Arcadia City Council has approved a $46 million budget for fiscal year 2009-2010. The city made deep budget cuts across the board, including freezing positions and cutting employee travel. The budget includes roughly $2 million in cuts and concessions from all four city employees' unions, and projects about $45.1 million in estimated total revenues, $45.7 million in proposed expenditures, and $270,000 in employee compensation and benefit deferrals.
City Manager Bill Kelly presented a "flat line budget" to the city council. Kelly said current uncertainties in state funding will not be resolved until after the election. The city will revisit the budget at midyear.
A package of new and increased city service fees designed to eliminate a potential budget shortfall will take effect on September 1, 2008. The higher fees are expected to bring Arcadia nearly $512,000 in the new fiscal year, by increases in fire services, swim classes, business licenses, plan checks and library services.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed a $125.6 billion budget for 2006-2007. He plans to increase spending on education and transportation and cut funding for some welfare and health programs, while not increasing taxes. Arcadia Mayor John Wuo agrees that California needs to make substantial investments in the state infrastructure.
Arcadia City Manager Bill Kelly, 58, is leaving his job to be a consultant in the private sector. He feels it is time to leave because many of the projects he had overseen in recent years have been completed or are on track to be completed.
City contemplates approval of Phase Two of Arcadia Public Library's Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan outlined the current budget, proposed budgetary increases, and proposed plans for improvement of the library's facilities and staffing needs.
The Arcadia Board of Education has adopted a $63.9 million General Fund budget for the coming year. The budget contains reductions across the board, with 10% cuts at schools, a reduction in categorical programs and no cost of living increase from the state.
City of Arcadia faces new budget year with caution, even though there is a surplus. Arcadia is projecting a budget of $29.96 million, down from $30.5 million the year before.