City OKs more cops, repaving

Costa Mesa’s City Council unanimously approved next year’s budget after less than an hour of debate and a few minor changes.

Each of the four separate budget-related items on the agenda passed in a 4-0 vote, with Mayor Eric Bever absent. Despite difficult economic times, the budget was balanced and called for expenditures of $145 million, a nearly $15 million increase from last year.

A few miscellaneous motions with unanimous approval saved the city money. One by Councilwoman Katrina Foley will result in fewer paper documents being circulated to city employees, saving an estimated $15,000 per year. Foley said she has made “daily complaints” about the issue.

The council also decided not to fund a $300,000 project to install two signs on local freeways marking the entrance to Costa Mesa.

When staff applied for permission from Caltrans to make the signs about three years ago, they thought it might be a boon for local businesses by attracting attention to the city, said Public Service Director Peter Naghavi.

It took Caltrans until only weeks before the budget was approved to give permission for the signs, which came with a restriction that would have forced the city to fund the project this year.

“I find it very difficult that Caltrans, who is contributing nothing to this project, is saying ‘you must get this done by date x,’” said City Manager Allan Roeder.

Overall the budget reflects the council’s emphasis on police and street improvements, Roeder said. Each area saw a significant increase in spending.

This year police will get almost 40% of the money in the city’s general fund, which will mostly go toward hiring new officers, according to Police Chief Chris Shawkey.

The city will spend $2.9 million to repave and renovate streets. An allocation of $1.47 million has been set aside to landscape the Joann Street Bike Trail.

BUDGET IN BRIEF

 Total planned expenditures — $145 million, up from $130 million in 2007-2008

 Completely balanced

 About 40% of general fund expenditures will go to the police department, up 5% from 10 years ago

 $2.9 million for street improvements from Measure M and Gas Tax funds

 Full budget available at www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us, at City Hall or at Costa Mesa branch libraries.

ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at alan.blank@latimes.com.