Park concerts, crossing guards on the block
Suspension of summer concerts in the parks and the elimination of the Community Emergency Response Team, the police academy, fire department public education and crossing guards were among the budget cuts discussed by the Manhattan Beach city council Tuesday night. General fund revenues are projected to decrease by 0.3 percent to $49,274,023 while expenditures to increase 0.8 percent to $51,320,559 in the 2010-11 fiscal year. To balance the budget the city must shave the $2,046,536 difference. “The economic problems of the past two years have had a resounding effect, and are challenging our historically solid financial position,” said Interim City Manager Richard Thompson in a statement prepared for Tuesday’s meeting. Staff cited the real estate market downturn, weak retail sales, reduced tourism and historically low interest rates as causes for the drastic turn in a revenue base that has consistently grown traditionally. “We see our revenues going down from what we budgeted last year,” said city finance director Bruce Moe. Unreserved funds will cover last year’s $1.6 million deficit — slightly more than the $1.5 million originally projected by the city – and still leave a $2.27…
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