City Manager Pat West today outlined his plan to make up a $43.3 million deficit facing the City of Long Beach in Fiscal Year 2010, which includes eliminating $23 million in City employee benefits and compensation, and $20.3 million in reductions from City departments.

West introduced his plan as a “Three-pronged Approach,” consisting of the following:

1. Potential new revenue (possibly including oil)
2. Employee contributions (reductions in benefits/compensation resulting in $23M)
3. Department reductions (resulting in $20.3M)

West called City employees “our greatest asset, and our greatest expense.” He acknowledged that his proposed cuts will result in employee layoffs and reductions in certain City services.  However, he said, these reductions will allow the City to continue to provide core services that residents are accustomed to.

“We’re looking for a long-term approach to fiscal solvency,” said West.  “It definitely poses challenges for us right now.”

City Manager West’s plans include a $10 million cut to Police and $4 million to Fire, but backup plans were presented in the case that the City Council votes to exclude those departments from cuts.  If the Council decides to exclude Police and Fire from cuts, other programs and departments will receive severe cuts to make up the difference.  Among those that will be affected are library services, parks and public works.

City Manager West must present a balanced budget to Mayor Bob Foster by July 1.  Foster must then present a balanced budget to the City Council by August 1.  Fiscal Year 2010 begins on October 1.

By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor

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