Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/robert-cortez/)
If the deficits continue and the city has to draw from rainy day funds, it could be pushed to the brink of bankruptcy a few years from now. City officials say they’re working hard to find ways to save costs and grow revenues.
City officials described a troubling financial future, with a projected $14 million shortfall for city operating costs in the fiscal year that starts July 1.
The decision came on a 4-3 vote just as Mouet was preparing to announce his process for choosing an acting police chief, following Chief Carlos Rojas’ announcement last week that he’s leaving the city for a different police chief job.
The idea is to involve community members in developing vacant city-owned properties – many of which are empty dirt or gravel lots – into affordable housing, parks, urban micro-farms, and marketplaces for small businesses.
With the $205.7-million budget for next fiscal year, more police and code enforcement spending and an end to employee furloughs may be in store.
Many of the youths demanded changes that would shift the focus from public safety to open space and youth services.
City finance officials held a meeting to instruct residents about the municipal budget. Nearly 40 residents attended, armed with questions.