Artesia News

City's new budget reacts responsibility to fiscal crisis

Artesia’s 2010-2011 operational budget will show just how hard the City has been hit by the economic crisis and the State’s raiding of local funds.

The current budget will show a 45 percent decrease to city personnel (or 19 positions). The City has long been preparing for this unwelcome, but fiscally responsible posture. This reduction in city staff will continue for an undetermined period of time.

In addition to the reduction of city personnel, the City has modified, by reduction or outright suspension, certain special events. The July 4th firework display will be entirely funded by donations from the business community in 2010.

The City’s current furlough schedule will end, and normal operational hours are expected to resume on July 1, with full time staff returning to a 40-hour work week.

City staff has been conscious of the State of California’s continuing budget crisis and how that will define the future of the City. The City will use the cash reserve of the General Fund to advance any further expenditures beyond the budget until such time as the State reimburses the City.

Infrastructure and equipment capital improvements continue to be funded through restricted funds as available by other agencies or grants. The City Manager’s office keeps vigilant on the funding opportunities that are worthwhile to the City keeping in mind the burden of staffing and documentation requirements that accompany these same opportunities.