Now is not the time to build new City Hall

A quick check of the economic climate uncovers a rather bleak sight.

The state budget gap is some $38 billion. School districts,

including the community colleges, are struggling with serious cuts to

services and layoffs of employees. Cities up and down California are

dealing with difficult, tight budgets.

In Newport Beach, however, there is talk of spending $30 million

on a new City Hall. It is talk that, given the climate, is mistimed.

Certainly, there are reasons for wanting a renovated or even an

all-new City Hall. The former school site offers a hodgepodge of

office space with inadequate seating and divided departments. Those

who work there complain about the ancient air conditioning, outdated

seismic standards, tight workspace and lack of amenities for people

with disabilities. It is an inefficient site for workers and

residents.

And at some point, when more money is available, changes should be

made.

This year, Newport Beach is fortunate that its budget is as strong

as it is. Still, the budget is a conservative one at $162 million,

with little room for movement. And on the horizon is a looming

burden: retirement payments.

During the next 12 months, the city will pay about $9.5 million

into the Public Employee Retirement System, the state-run fund that

pays retirement benefits for many public employees. The next year,

however, the city’s payment into the fund will grow to $14 million.

And in 2005-06, it will be more.

At this point, the city has committed $578,000 to preliminary

designs for the renovation, money and work that city leaders need to

take advantage of now that the job has started. Perhaps from this

groundwork, a new or radically different City Hall will arise. When

that work begins in earnest, the city’s plans to get resident input,

including through tours of the rundown buildings, will be a necessary

part of the discussion. This largess of spending demands wide

support.

But it is work best left for a more financially secure time.