Burlingame poised to slash $3.2 million from budget

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Feb 25, 2009 | by Christine Morente

BURLINGAME -- City officials unofficially decided Wednesday to shear $3.2 million off next year's budget, affecting the Easton Library, the Burlingame Trolley and future improvement projects.

Reductions have also spurred discussion about possibly sharing a police chief with Millbrae and police dispatch services with other cities.

"In times like this, we do need to look at consolidating services," Councilwoman Terry Nagel said. "We're paying exorbitant fees in management. We should be looking to merge perhaps with Millbrae's Fire Department as well."

In January, the council cut $2 million from its 2008-09 budget.

City Manager Jim Nantell said more cuts might be needed because he does not know how much of an impact the economy has had on the city's car sales -- which typically provide $4 million of the $9 million sales tax -- and the Christmas-quarter sales tax.

Also, the city won't know the outcome of its $39 million storm drain measure until May 5. Property owners will receive their ballots in the mail from April 5 through April 20.

Nantell said even after implementing $3 million in reductions, there won't be any money available for improvement needs next year - - a first in more than 30 years.

Some of those needs include pedestrian safety improvements at Broadway Overpass, making 30 curb ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, street trees reforestation, and maintaining park pathways.

Any future funding for projects would require additional reductions, he added.

The council decided not to eliminate crossing guards, saying volunteers could be used to cover half of the program.

Burlingame Police Chief Jack Van Etten talked about starting a volunteer program similar to Millbrae's Police Department, and then working with the Burlingame Elementary School District.

Another cost-cutting recommendation denied by council was to close the main library on Sundays. The council already had reduced its hours on Friday nights.

For the Easton Library, it may close Fridays, or shift some of its budget to the main library.

Meanwhile, the Burlingame Trolley is slated for elimination.

Vice Mayor Cathy Baylock said she would rather see the trolley go than cut library services.

Over the years, the city has allotted $110,000 to the program that the city's hotel guests use to reach downtown Burlingame. Last year, the San Francisco Airport Marriott pulled out of the program.

"In our minds, that shows hotels feel it hasn't been advantageous to them," Mayor Ann Keighran said. "This may be down the road, but we might see another hotel drop off, and another. Due to the circumstances, I think it's one thing we may want to eliminate."

The council is expected to come back May 27 for another budget study session.

Staff writer Christine Morente covers faith, families, Burlingame and North County. She can be reached at 650-348-4333 or cmorente@bayareanewsgroup.com.