San Diego City Council members were given an “A” for their effort after adopting a $2.4 billion budget.
But the council also was given a failing grade for the budget results.
Scott Barnett, executive director of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, said the council never took control of the process and, therefore, didn’t have adequate input on how city funds will be spent.
“The mayor and City Council never took control of the most important policy decision in the city and make it reflect their positions,” Barnett said. “Instead, they gave control to the city manager and let him run the most important process (of the city).”
The council approved City Manager Michael Uberuaga’s budget proposal, which includes $732 million in the general fund , an increase of about $57 million over the last fiscal year , $16.5 million for street and sidewalk repairs and about $22 million to hire additional city workers.
The budget also calls for hiring 20 more police officers, $5 million for libraries and $3 million to replace storm drains.
Mayor Dick Murphy said the budget is good, but not great. During budget review meetings, the mayor and some council members said they thought more money should be spent on street and sidewalk repairs and less on hiring new city staff members.
The council cut the number of new jobs to be added this year, but according to Barnett, they didn’t do much to change the amount to be spent on lagging infrastructure.
“This is still a reactive, micromanaging council, instead of (one) giving broad policy direction and requiring the manager to meet those needs,” Barnett said. “Unless they decide to take charge with the budget committee, then we are in for some very difficult days ahead.”
The approved budget also calls for a 7.5 percent increase in sewer rates for the next four years. The increases will pay for replacement and repair of aging pipelines. The sewer rate for single-family homes will increase from the current rate of $59.60 every two months to $79.59 by 2005.
