NEWPORT BEACH : Officials Embrace ‘Status Quo’ Budget

The City Council is considering an $88-million budget that cuts spending 13% by holding the line on new programs and eliminating seven maintenance and operations positions.

“We call this budget our status quo budget--no new people, no new positions, no new programs,” said Dennis Danner, the city’s finance director.

He said the city may lose revenue from the state in the next year, prompting local officials to take a cautious approach to spending.

And although the budget includes a $33-million reserve, officials voted this week to approve only $21 million in capital improvements--down from $30 million last year.

The approved projects include adding $25,000 worth of lights to the Newport Pier and spending $60,000 to replace a wall at the Balboa parking lot that blocks blowing sand.

City Manager Robert L. Wynn told the council that the seven maintenance and operations jobs are being eliminated through attrition. The council is expected to approve the budget June 24.