Mayor Villaraigosa's budget could furlough Los Angeles workers, reduce some fire services

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has released his proposed budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. It calls for furloughing city workers if they don't agree to contribute more to their pension and health care plans. The city faces a projected $460 million deficit for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

The mayor's already struck a deal with the leaders of most city labor unions, but their members have yet to vote on it.

“I’m assuming that our employees will approve the tentative agreement with the coalition of unions," said Villaraigosa. "Part of how we’ll move ahead is by shouldering the burden together.”

Villaraigosa proposes up to 36 unpaid furlough days for many civilian city workers if they don't agree to contribute more of their paychecks to pension and health care plans. He seeks similar agreements with the police and firefighters’ unions.

The mayor's nearly $7 billion spending plan maintains the size of the LAPD, but cuts overtime; reduces fire department services in some areas; and eliminates 640 mostly vacant city jobs. It increases library hours, thanks to money from a voter-approved measure, and repairs more potholes.

“We’re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel," said Villaraigosa.

L.A.'s Chief Administrative Officer Miguel Santana says the mayor's proposed cuts are not nearly as bad as in the last couple of years when the city eliminated 4,000 jobs through early retirements and layoffs.

“Last year, there’s no doubt, it’s probably the most dramatic cuts the city has faced in its entire history," said Villaraigosa.

City Councilman Bernard Parks, who heads the budget committee, says the mayor’s budget needs closer scrutiny.

“The number one issue is how solid are the revenue numbers," said Parks.

Parks wonders if Villaraigosa wasn’t too optimistic, given a financial report in January that showed tax revenues down.

“Every one of our revenue sources was down, with the exception of the bed tax and the tourism," said Parks. "Now, within a month or two, this report is reflecting an uptick on everything with the exception of one or two so there’s a complete reversal.”

Parks also questions the mayor’s plan to borrow $43 million to close the budget gap. He says he wants to make sure the LAPD, which consumes half of the city budget, is shouldering its fair share of cuts. The mayor’s budget is subject to City Council approval.