Duarte Approves 2008-09 Budget; Earmarks Fund to Oppose Mining
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The Duarte City Council/Redevelopment Agency unanimously voted last week to adopt a combined $26,845,300 budget for 2008-2009. Challenged by increasing expenses, flat revenues and deferred capital improvements, the budget included a General Fund operating budget of $12,333,100 and a resulting $953,500 deficit that will be covered with funds from the City's reserves.
The approved budget represents a $348,100 increase from the current year budget, attributed mainly to costs associated with the inspection of several major construction developments that are currently underway, negotiated increases totaling 11% in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's $2,964,500 contract, and an expected increase in the City's two labor agreements which expire June 30, 2008.
With sales taxes and property taxes down and public safety, health care and utility costs up, Duarte Approves 2008-09 Budget; Earmarks Fund to Oppose Mining the Council determined that the "rainy day is here and now is the time to absorb the deficit through our reserve account," said City Manager Darrell George.
In an action initiated by Mayor Pro Tem John Fasana, the Council also agreed to establish a $700,000 fund to monitor and counter anticipated expansion plans by Vulcan Mining Company that would adversely impact Duarte residents. It is expected that by August or September 2008, Vulcan will formally submit an application with the City of Azusa to amend its existing development agreement to expand mining operations 80 acres to the west in an area above Duarte hillside homes. The "Fight Against Vulcan Expansion Fund" (FAVE) would allow the City of Duarte to monitor the approximately two-year application process involving a Conditional Use Permit and Environmental Impact Report through whatever legal and environmental means necessary.
"Duarte is still fiscally solid and very stable," said George. He noted than an uptick in sales tax and property tax revenues before the recent decline and significant new development fees from City of Hope, Best Buy and smaller projects added $1.7 million to the City's General Fund reserve account in January, increasing reserves from $5.0 million to $6.7 million. Even after taking $953,500 to offset the 2008-2009 deficit, Duarte is still ahead of last year's adopted budget with $5.8 million remaining in reserves, he said.
For further information, call City of Duarte, (626) 357-7931, ext. 221
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