Let’s take a bite out of the city’s budget

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

I don’t know when politics began to amuse me, but the budget

season is almost akin to the Christmas season for me. I love watching

cities try to balance a budget in the public eye and watch them duck

as the insults fly and the outrage is unleashed.

I told City Administrator Ray Silver as much two weeks ago -- he

told me I was sadistic. Perhaps I am.

When I read through a list of suggested money-makers prepared by

Councilman Ralph Bauer, that was presented to city staff and the

council on Monday, I became gleeful at how utterly appalled I was by

some of his suggestions.

First, let’s stop and appreciate Bauer, as he is always the first,

and often the only, council member to come forward with ideas and

actively try to come up with solutions to problems in the city.

Thanks Ralph, seriously.

Now let’s talk about this list.

No. 1-- let’s price gouge.

I’m sorry, that’s not quite how he put it... It’s a loose

translation. Let’s hike the rates at the parking structure when there

are events going on Downtown. Like $9 a day isn’t already inflated.

Price gouging is illegal in some states, you know.

The structure began paying for itself several years ago, when the

city decided to raise the rates. Bauer has suggested tacking on

another $2 on days when they know people will be heading Downtown.

Parking prices are nearing the absurdity level of concession prices

at movie theaters.

No. 2 -- Let’s put in more overpriced parking meters. I heard

people were trying to park for free on Magnolia Street, get ‘em boys.

Great idea. Let’s just put meters on every street in town. Better

yet, what about schools and people’s driveways -- that’ll turn a

profit.

While we’re at it, why don’t we get rid of the meters that take

change. Dollars only please -- naw, just make it gold and platinum

cards.

All the ideas don’t gouge residents, mind you.

No. 3 -- Let’s charge out-of-towners another $5 a year to use the

library. Not bad, doesn’t hit home. I mean, I’m not sure it’s exactly

the pinnacle of moral virtue to look to outsiders to make up the city

deficit, but hey... we could probably make at least what, $100 this

way.

Seriously now, I don’t think all his ideas are bad. He also

suggested charging the International Surfing Museum rent higher than

the current $1. OK, just be careful you don’t push it out of town,

I’m pretty sure Newport or Laguna Beach would welcome it with open

arms.

The other rent suggestion might be a bit too much though. Bauer

has also suggested charging the Huntington Youth Shelter rent. Sure,

it sounds wrong and heartless, but maybe there’s a grant out there

somewhere that can pay for it.

The list goes on, I’ve merely hit some highlights. As I said,

Bauer’s efforts should be commended. I merely caution against nickel

and dime-ing residents to death.

It’s tiresome, if nothing else.

Although they are often unpopular, I think it is the bigger cuts

that must be made. Does anyone really watch HBTV-3 anyway? And how

many children are drug-free because of McGruff? Maybe we can return

“Surfhenge” and get a refund.

* DANETTE GOULET is the city editor. She can be reached at (714)

965-7170.