Three firefighters, a police officer and a police clerk will be hired in the next two years, after the Atascadero City Council on Tuesday approved a 2005-07 city budget aimed at increasing public safety in the community.
Previously announced plans to build a youth and recreation center and reduce the city's backlog of road maintenance are part of the city's $19 million capital projects budget.
That money is being generated by the sale of redevelopment bonds and grants, in addition to general fund dollars.
Together, the Police and Fire departments will receive half of the money in the city's general fund budget. The Police Department will receive $4.7 million in 2005-06 and $5.1 million in 2006-07. The Fire Department will receive $2.9 million in 2005-06 and $3.1 million in 2006-07.
The council vote also included a part-time position in the Parks and Recreation Department.
City Manager Wade McKinney characterized the budget primarily as status quo.
No programs are being cut, but some nonessential program budgets will get tighter in order to add the new positions. Projects include downtown streetscape improvements, the Lewis Avenue bridge and a new corporate yard.
Also Tuesday, meeting as the board of the Community Redevelopment Agency, council members approved the agency's 2005-07 operating budget.
That budget includes a list of priority projects to be financed with $9.8 million raised by the sale of redevelopment bonds. Money has been allocated for improvements to Sunken Gardens, stabilization of the Atascadero Creek bank and parking improvements.
Distributed by the Associated Press
