BURBANK BEGINS BUDGET TALKS CUTS IN PROGRAMS, TRAINING ARE OPTIONS.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

BURBANK - Offsetting a $9.5 million budget deficit next year will force program cuts in 15 city departments, and plans include cutting back on training for Police and Fire department staff, higher library fines, sewer bills and recreation fees.

The shortfall, discussed by the City Council on Wednesday in a first round of budget sessions, does not include a projected $4 million drop in state funds next year. Those millions are expected to be covered by city reserves.

``It's a balancing effect not only to increase fees for the general budget but also to present a proposal that will have the least impact to our residents,'' said Judie Sarquiz, deputy financial services director.

The city needs to adopt a balanced budget by June, and specifics now call for increasing fees at the city's swimming pools, its after-school programs and for library services.

Council members offered little comment as each department leader offered line-by-line reductions.

The City Attorney's Office planned to lay off one legal secretary and reduce supply fees. The City Clerk's Office offered to lay off two part- time employees, by hiring one full time.

Mayor David Laurell questioned Burbank Public Information Officer Michael McManus about production costs of some of the shows featured on the city's public access channel.

Newly elected Councilman Jef Vander Borght expressed concern about layoffs by asking each official how many actual bodies would be eliminated versus vacancies already in place.

And Councilwoman Stacy Murphy said she found it difficult to believe department staff would have to go without training programs.

The Burbank Fire and Police departments would be hit by the most striking cuts, eliminating a proposed $1.7 million from the fire budget and $2.7 million for police.

Cuts to hazardous materials training by $21,000 and paramedic training by $93,312 may have to be made, even when all cities try to prepare for possible terrorist attacks. About 80 percent of the budget at the Fire Department is based on staff salaries.

At the Police Department, positions such as a forensic specialist and a county probation officer would be cut.

Film permit fees would increase from $200 to $300. Even fees at the Burbank Animal Shelter would increase for licensing, from $15 to $25.

Both the Fire and Police departments would have to initiate a hiring freeze.

``People are always hesitant when it comes to cutting safety, but we're a significant part of the city's budget so we had to do our part,'' said Burbank Police Chief Thomas Hoefel.

Derek Hanway, the city's financial director, said the proposed cuts add up to more than $8.8 million.

``The park and recreation fees will stand out and there are other fees that residents likely won't see, but will impact the businesses,'' Sarquiz said.

City officials blamed the deficit on costly retirement packages for city employees, including police and firefighters, and on projected losses in overall revenues from the economic slowdown.

Last month, the City Council approved a hike in sewer rates. Part of the increase was attributed to a $4.5 million contract with Los Angeles.

The city's Park, Recreation and Community services department already estimated raising at least $450,000 through higher fees.

Swim fees at McCambridge and Verdugo recreation centers, for example, would double from $1 to $2 for children 12 and under.

After-school programs at eight paid sites citywide would increase from $110 to $115 a month.

``The philosophy was to go out and see what other cities charge, and to come up with an affordable solution,'' Sarquiz said. ``There's no desire to cut services, but we want to make sure we're in comparison with other cities.''

Despite the fee increases and deficit, Sarquiz said Burbank's outlook does not seem as bleak as other cities of similar size.

``This is the first presentation,'' said Councilman Dave Golonski during the meeting. ``I don't want people to think out there that this is a done deal.''