Council completes two-day study session on proposed budget
May. 31, 2021 at 6:00 am
The Santa Monica City Council completed a two-day study session last week that featured a review of the City Manager’s Proposed FY 2021-23 Biennial Budget and concluded with City Council naming the priorities it wishes to see incorporated into the Final Biennial Budget, which will return to Council for adoption on June 22.
The FY 2021-23 Biennial Budget comes on the heels of pandemic-induced revenue losses totaling tens of millions of dollars and a required restructuring that included the loss of more than 400 staff members. Thanks to the painful but necessary budget actions taken throughout the last year, the FY 2021-22 General Fund budget is $349.5 million, almost $100 million less than the FY 2018-19 General Fund.
Local district, city leaders find funds to restore some recreation services
May. 28, 2021 at 6:00 am
City Council recently commended staff for bringing forward a balanced budget that includes funds for economic recovery efforts and other Council priorities. But after months of being cooped up inside as a result of the pandemic, local residents are pleading with city officials to fully restore the recreation services they have become so accustomed to throughout the years.
When the City was forced to cut its budget last year in the midst of the pandemic, CREST’s enrichment classes, school break camp and its afterschool program, which offers homework assistance, field trips, classes and outdoor play, were allowed to continue, but the community’s beloved playground access, youth sports and homework programs were cut.