REGION: Cities to state: Don't balance budget on our backs

By CRAIG TENBROECK - Staff Writer | Thursday, August 21, 2008 7:12 PM PDT ∞

SAN MARCOS ---- Worried that state legislators will dip into city coffers to wash away the red ink in California's budget, the leaders of four North County cities gathered in San Marcos on Thursday to issue a collective objection.

"It's time for the state to cut up its local government credit card," San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond said during the 30-minute news conference.

The state budget is nearly two months overdue. Democrats and Republicans are at a stalemate, unable to close a $15.2 billion deficit. The longer the deadlock, the more cities worry that their local property tax, gas tax and redevelopment dollars are vulnerable.

At the urging of the League of California Cities, some cities have passed resolutions opposing state borrowing of local funds. Thursday's gathering, attended by more than two dozen representatives from San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside and Encinitas, was designed to hammer the point home. It mirrored other news conferences held across the state.

"We have people who are suffering because of the economy, and the cities are suffering," Vista Mayor Morris Vance said. "We've done everything we can to cut our budget and get down to the bare bones. ... I don't see that same thing happening at the state Legislature."

Over the years, the state has taken $26 million from Vista, Vance said.

"Just think of what we could have done with that $26 million," he said.

City officials estimated they stand to lose a hefty sum this year if the state borrows more local dollars: $2 million in Encinitas, $3 million in Vista, $4 million in San Marcos and $5.5 million in Oceanside.

Public safety, road repairs and community revitalization projects would be hit the hardest, officials said.

In San Marcos, projects such as the Creek District "would be cut or slowed down if this were to pass," Desmond said.

If Vista is forced to make cutbacks, it may have to close a Sheriff's Substation or cut firefighters, as other departments are already running thin, officials said.

That could have dangerous consequences in an area where wildfires are an ever-present threat, Vista fire Chief Gary Fisher said.

"If we have to cut people, that's going to have a significant impact on how those fires are extinguished and controlled," he said.

All of Thursday's speakers urged the state to tighten its belt instead of using local dollars.

"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't an issue that we thought was devastating to individual cities," Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood said.

Contact staff writer Craig TenBroeck at (760) 901-4062 or ctenbroeck@nctimes.com.

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Billy wrote on Aug 21, 2008 8:09 PM:Why is it that we the people know at the beginning of the year that this budget problem is going to come up and that the cities will have to pay. Is it like the area code change where the people making that decision stated that the reason they picked 760 to change was because the nice way we took it so easy when they changed 619 to 760. Is it because we give in so easy to the state and fork over our money upon request. I can think of a thousand reason for suing the pants off them, and I'm sure a good city lawyer could make about three of my reasons stick. In the interim they will have to come up with a budget. I would have made a slick lawyer - - but a poor politician. I like being honest - it is a good feeling.

Tommy wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:15 PM:Why is it that when it's time for cities to balance their budget, they do it by cutting vital services instead of administrative overhead? It's more important for the city to provide police and fire protection than to fret over tiki palm trees. If the cities are unwilling to perform their primary duty, then we don't need cities!

Welcome wrote on Aug 22, 2008 8:47 AM:to the peoples republic of KaLiFonia.
You people keep voting in the communist party to control the state.
Enjoy!

donna wrote on Aug 22, 2008 9:32 AM:why is it the poor people always have to pay for the mastakes that the state makes just tell the gov. to stand up and tell these people eighter you pass the bill or you stay in scarmento all day in night in the chairs until you do sign the budget if that don,t work maybe he should just send them home or keep there pay checks from them the people off california need this budget and we need it fast

Escondido wrote on Aug 22, 2008 2:30 PM:Why weren't you represented at this meeting? Don't you think it important enough? How much has the State taken from our City? California is notorious when it comes to "borrowing" money. Hey nurses, if you don't believe me, check with the Board of Registered Nurses. Back in the days of Gray Davis, The State borrowed $12,000,000. I don't believe it has been paid back. What about Transportation Funds? They went to the General Fund. The list goes on. It is time for the locals to send the message to the State to keep out of the funds and cut spending.

Where are wrote on Aug 22, 2008 3:22 PM:All the democrat backers? I know the "governator" is supposed to be Rep, but lets be honest here. He is married to a Kennedy and his strings are pulled by her. Anyway we are seeing what the democrat party is really like. Take from the honest hard workers and if it is not enough, take from anyone else standing in thier way. Oh yeah lets increase the sales tax 1% for three years. That makes more sense than cutting government waste. The democrats should change thier name to the socialist party. Than at least they would be telling the truth for once. And to ALL politician's: STOP STEALING VITAL SERVICES! Cut out middle management positions. Private business does why cant you? I am sick of both parties just so everyone knows or cares. It is time to get them all out. send a message that the PEOPLE are in charge, not the other way.

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