Divided City Council Approves New Budget

The City Council approved a new budget this week, though members were divided, with some wanting more money for streets and parks while others favored polishing Santa Ana’s image with projects such as the Artists Village.

The spending plan, which projects revenue of $257 million for fiscal 1997-98, passed on a 5-2 vote Monday, with Councilmen Ted R. Moreno and Tony Espinoza dissenting.

Espinoza and Moreno argued that more money should be allocated to improve streets, curbs, gutters and other infrastructure.

But Councilman Brett Franklin said there is more to a city than streets and parks.

“We need to change the image,” he said.

The budget does include $12.3 million in capital improvements for streets, curbs, gutters and other projects. It also sets aside money for the new position of arts administrator.

The council, acting as the redevelopment agency, voted to drop a $100,000 mortgage program that had helped about 10 people purchase homes in the past four years. The money will now be used for street improvements in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.