City: Modest Growth Indicates Recession’s End

A 26 percent reduction of the budget over the last five years and conservative fiscal spending has allowed Glendora to see modest growth as it inches out of a long recession, city staff told the city council Tuesday.

The council passed a resolution adopting the 2013-2014 fiscal budget Tuesday, praising its “prudent” approach, yet advising city staff to continue its conservative spending.

Finance Director Jill Taura said anticipated revenues are  $55.2 million with $24 million in the general fund. She said the city has maintained its balanced budget, even with a $2.3 million loss to the budget and the dissolution of the city’s redevelopment agency in 2012.

For the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the city proposes to increase part-time librarian hours, change two part-time police positions to one full-time community services officer, while eliminating a part-time planning manager.

Taura also said the city will see significant one-time revenues, mainly from property tax returns.

Although the additional revenues were indicators of the end of the recession, council members remained cautious.

“I see this as a very prudent budget and budget that is looking to the future,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Nelson. “This is exactly what we need to continue to do.”