IRVINE

The City Council voted this week to spend $2 million of its budget surplus to fight the county’s plans to build an international airport at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Councilman Mike Ward suggested the city pay whatever it takes, labeling the allocation a “down payment” and pointing out that the city is still owed millions of dollars because of the county’s bankruptcy. The funds will also be used to promote the Millennium Plan, the non-aviation proposal for the 4,700-acre base.