Mayor Loveridge: Riverside departments save $1.5 million less than budgeted

Mayor Ron Loveridge
Special to InstantRiverside.com

We seized a unique opportunity on Tuesday, August 24 – the chance to enhance city services in spite of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Citywide efforts to conserve funds resulted in a large surplus unlike anything currently seen in any city or county throughout California.

As a city, Riverside competes to attract and retain the best residents and businesses the region has to offer. Achieving a budget surplus in the current economic conditions will definitely help the way we compete.

Riverside city departments were able to spend $1.5 million less than budgeted in the 2009/2010 fiscal year, while at the same time responding to a record number of calls for service from the community. In fact, just four years ago there were 20,000 calls for service in the city. Improved awareness of the City’s 311 system has increased calls to over 170,000 in 2009 – a 750% increase!

I believe the ability to control and cut costs while simultaneously meeting the growing demand of service calls is an exceptional example of efficiency in city government. These savings combined with an additional $2 million in larger than anticipated tax revenues to create a $3.5 million surplus.

Three nationwide organizations (The National League of Cities, The National Association of Counties, and The U.S. Conference of Mayors) project that 500,000 jobs at the local government level will be lost in the next year and a half. Through conservative policies implemented by the City Council, Riverside not only avoids the unenviable task of major layoffs, but has gained the opportunity to use this $3.5 million surplus to further benefit our residents.

We decided to use the surplus in the following ways:

–$1 million to the Police Department to meet the Chief’s requests for public safety staffing and better position RPD to receive federal stimulus funding.

–$900,000 to Public Works to enhance street, traffic and maintenance services and allow for additional parking to be built at Orange Terrace Community Center.

–$600,000 for Parks and Recreation to expand facilities at Andulka Park, Arlington Heights Sports Complex, La Sierra Senior Center, and to staff expanded support services at Hunt and La Sierra Parks.

–$500,000 to convert the current Dales Senior Center into a full service Center by constructing a banquet hall, game room, and arts, crafts and fitness center.

–$300,000 to purchase library materials to increase collection while preparing to open the Arlanza and Hillcrest branches.

–$250,000 to replace the roof and repaint the Heritage House (pictured).

I am confident that the continued guidance of the City Council, strong leadership of our management team, and dedication of our city employees will ensure that Riverside continues to flourish as a City of Arts & Innovation.

Filed under News A3, Neighborhood, Headline