Results tagged “citybudget”

City Flushes Down Millions on Wastewater

City Controller Wendy Greuel is expected to release her second audit since entering office last July later today. According to her office, a wastewater disposal contractor took advantage of the city's lack of oversight and a poorly written contract to overbill and overcharge.

What's up with Mayor Villaraigosa's Twitter Account?

Last week, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa tweeted seven times, asking for fans for donations that would help offset the cost of Michael Jackson's public memorial service. Every tweet included a link to the city's website where the online donations could be given.

City Hall Spends $1 Million on Calligraphy Services

Los Angeles has been in a large deficit for the past year--this year it could up to $530 million--forcing City Council to raise parking meter fees, citations and cut or delude city programs. However, that hasn't stopped them spending $1 million each year on "hand-inked calligraphy scrolls that bestow commendations on everyday folk, celebrities and supporters," the LA Weekly finds:

Here's one simple step on how to lose a city's morale and trust of city government, via Kerry Cavanaugh at the Daily News:

Today, Mayor Villaraigosa is set to release budget recommendations for the next fiscal year. He already said we are $406 million short this year and like last year, there will be much discussion and debate at the city council level of what to save and what to keep cut. Here are two lists, a top 5 of what to save and what to cut.

Since the perk of giving Hybrid owners a free ride when it comes to Los Angeles city parking meters has been in the news lately, the always fiscally conservative Daily News opined on the issue today: "The right thing is for the council to kill the hybrid car perk."

Problem: Los Angeles has a shortage of officers for its population and physical size. Budgets are tight, hiring freezes keep the department from hiring new civilian workers, forcing sworn officers to desk work rather than being out on the streets. Bottom line: the city is short 3,000 police officers to where Chief William Bratton would like it to be.

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