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With a $98-million deficit still on the books for this fiscal year--a $408 million shortfall is predicted next year--Los Angeles city officials are likely going to be looking at more ways to balance the budget. In the past, we've all experienced these cuts with higher parking meter rates, more expensive parking tickets and the continuing loss of city services as 2,400 employees retire early with positions not being replaced, to name a few.
Next month, City Councilmembers may begin looking at jettisoning or setting up public-private partnerships for certain city departments like the zoo, animal services and convention center, reports the Daily News. "We have to look at what the core mission of the city is," said City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana.
Savings from such a move would be realized a year after a decision is made because of transition time. Both the Zoo and Convention Center currently have private entities involved--GLAZA and LA, Inc., respectively--and Animal Shelters could go to a human organization.
