West Hollywood : Hearing on Budget Plan

The City Council on Monday held a public hearing on a preliminary budget for fiscal year 1991-92 during which more than 20 representatives of the homeless, seniors, AIDS patients and other groups protested a possible 10% cut in funding for contracts with social-service providers.

City Manager Paul Brotzman has proposed a 5% cut in funding, plus deletion of a 5% cost-of-living increase. The cuts would save $175,000 in the coming year.

“Any budget cut will clearly impact our ability to serve clients,” said David Smith, public information director for the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center. “Our programs rely on city funding to serve residents of West Hollywood.”

Council members expressed reluctance about making any cuts in funding for social services. During the next two weeks, they will look at ways to keep funding at current levels.

“It’s a difficult situation for the council,” said Lloyd Long, director of the city’s Human Services Department. “It has created a whole network of services for people. Although it doesn’t want to stop providing, it has a responsibility to produce a balanced budget.” The council will next consider the budget June 24. It must adopt a final budget by July 1.