Proposed $670-Million Budget Adds 10 Jobs, Capital Improvements

City Manager James D. Ruth on Tuesday released the proposed $670-million citywide budget for 1997-98 that calls for adding 10 new positions and spending $500,000 for capital improvements in residential areas.

The proposed general fund budget is $141 million, an increase of about $2.7 million, or 2%, over the current fiscal year.

The increases come from overtime expenses, bilingual pay, compensatory time and salary increases in the Police and Fire departments, plus an increase in the Planning Department because of anticipated costs associated with Disney building a second theme park, Finance Director William G. Sweeney said.

Sweeney said inspection costs related to the Disney project will be reimbursed through building permits, which will offset the Planning Department’s increased costs.

The proposed general fund budget does not include hiring additional police officers or firefighters. However, since the 1990-91 fiscal year, the city has added 49 police officers, bringing the department’s sworn force to 389.

The proposed citywide budget includes $80 million from Anaheim Sports Inc. to cover Disney’s costs for the Anaheim Stadium renovation. This fiscal year, the city already has spent $20 million--the city’s contribution--toward the renovation costs, Sweeney said.

The proposed citywide budget also includes $2 million to be spent on the debt service for the land and other costs associated with the city’s arena. Because of contractual obligations, the proposed budget also reflects an additional $1.5 million the city must pay Pond operator Ogden Entertainment Services if the arena suffers a loss and a professional basketball team is not secured this upcoming fiscal year.

Council study sessions and public hearings are scheduled for June 3 and 10 beginning at 2 p.m. in council chambers, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. The council is expected to consider adoption of the budget June 10.