Bellflower : Budget Cut $3.53 Million

The Bellflower City Council has adopted a more streamlined annual budget, eliminating funds for street improvements and new building projects, said Linda Manning, assistant finance director. Compared to last year’s operating budget of $16.6 million, the 1987-88 budget has been reduced by $3.53 million to $13 million.

Items like improvements for Park Street and part-time staff positions in the Parks and Recreation Department were eliminated. “The programs are intact but we will be operating with about half the staff,” said Nelson Oliva, recreation coordinator.

The council also eliminated $50,000 in community development block grant funds that would have paid for a consultant to study the feasibility of consolidating the city’s eight water companies. The $50,000 was transferred to a contingency fund, Manning said.

The study “is something that should be done in the future when we have the money for a project like consolidating the water companies,” Councilman Mike Brassard said.

The council also approved a 3% cost-of-living salary adjustment for management personnel and a 4% pay increase for field personnel.