Mayor presents proposed city budget emphasizing public safety, parks and youth programs

Mayor Richard Reardon presented the administration's proposed city budget to the Los Angeles City Council, outlining spending priorities that the mayor said will expand services without new taxes while setting aside money to cover expected liabilities related to the Rampart police scandal.

Reardon described the proposal as the first budget under the new city charter and said it would add resources for libraries, parks, senior services, street and sidewalk repairs and public‑safety investments. The mayor said the budget includes $40 million for the Fire Department to open new stations, increase recruitment and enhance paramedic services; $10 million more for Recreation and Parks to expand free swim programs, reduce youth fees and improve fields and restrooms; and $1 million for the LA's Best after‑school program. The mayor said the budget also sets aside $30 million to address expected next‑fiscal‑year liabilities tied to the Rampart investigation.

The mayor said the administration would eliminate the wastewater franchise fee to avoid a sewer service charge increase, reduce some fees for cultural and recreation programs, and pursue bonding of tobacco settlement funds to provide roughly $91 million for future use. He reiterated that the proposal does not raise taxes and said the city's positive economic outlook allows increased services and investments.

Councilmembers asked procedural and policy questions and signaled that council and the mayor's office will negotiate changes as the budget proceeds through the council's review process.