Did You Know… Cerritos recently approved a $120.24 million budget

By Cerritos Mayor Jim Edwards

My City Council colleagues and I recently approved a $120.24 million combined financial program for fiscal year 2012-2013. The program includes a City operating budget of more than $86 million and a Cerritos Successor Agency budget of $31.4 million. In addition to the City’s operating budget, $2.6 million has been earmarked for capital projects.
As this past year was once again economically challenging for cities across the nation, development of this year’s budget was especially difficult as the State of California dissolved California Redevelopment Agencies on February 1 as part of efforts to balance the state budget. For fiscal year 2011-2012, this resulted in a loss of more than $35.5 million to the City. The City’s operating budget of more than $86 million, excluding capital projects, reflects a 3.02 percent decrease from the prior year.
I’d like to highlight a few of the planned capital projects that will enhance our community.
Our residents love the variety of recreation options in the City, and this year’s budget allows for improvements to various recreation facilities. Playgrounds in Cerritos will be improved in the coming year. The City will spend $25,000 on playground equipment replacement and $60,000 to replace playground sand with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant materials at various neighborhood parks. In addition, $50,000 will be spent on new playground equipment at Liberty Park. Cerritos Park East will receive a $287,000 remodel which includes the renovation of restrooms and the rehabilitation of the community rooms.
Pavement rehabilitation at Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course, the Cerritos Olympic Swim & Fitness Center and three community centers will cost $110,000.
The Cerritos Library is always a popular destination, and we are excited that $300,000 will be spent to remodel the Library Multimedia area into a Teen Zone with additional computer and study areas.
The City will continue making a significant investment in maintaining streets during the new fiscal year. A $982,500 project involves the resurfacing of 183rd Street from Gridley Road to Palo Verde Avenue. A $350,000 project includes street furniture and landscaping enhancements along Studebaker Road from South Street to Artesia Boulevard and a new freeway sign for the Cerritos Auto Square.
If you’d like to view a copy of the approved City of Cerritos 2012-2013 Combined Financial Program, visit the Cerritos Library or the office of the City Clerk at Cerritos City Hall.
As always, I encourage Cerritos residents to call me at City Hall at (562) 860-0311 or to send me an e-mail through the City’s website at cerritos.us and share your suggestions, concerns and questions.  I am pleased to talk with Cerritos residents and work with you toward the betterment of our wonderful community.