Diamond Bar City Council Expected To OK Budget Proposal

DIAMOND BAR, CA — City officials are expected to approve a $50.5 million operating budget and capital improvement program for the 2021-'22 fiscal year at the Tuesday City Council meeting.

The budget forecast that the city will have around $27.4 million on hand for its general fund and will spend around $27.1 million over the course of the fiscal year, leaving a surplus of around $312,000.

The city also expected to spend more than $6.8 million it will receive through the American Rescue Plan over the next two years, according to a city report. The funds can be used for a broad number of purposes, including restoring city programs and services, COVID-19 expenses not reimbursed by the federal government and replacing revenue lost during the pandemic.

Around $8 million, or 29.7 percent, of the general fund will be used for public safety and the city's contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, according to the budget.

The parks and recreation department will receive about $3.44 million, or 12.7 percent. The funds will help the department reinstate several community services and programs that were canceled during the pandemic, including a summer youth day camp and concerts in the park.

Diamond Bar officials also plan to use around $7.52 million for its capital improvement program, money that is separate from the general fund. Some of the projects officials hope to tackle include renovation of the city’s bus stops and shelters, rehabilitating Golden Springs Drive between South Brea Canyon Road and East Lemon Avenue and installing several curb ramps around town that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"The proposed 2021-2022 operating budget and capital improvement program provides a positive outlook to restore a wide range of city programs, services and projects as the state, county and city continue the reopening journey from the impacts of COVID-19," City Manager Daniel Fox said in a statement.

The City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Members of the public can attend online by visiting the city's website. A full copy of the budget proposal can be found in the City Council's agenda packet for Tuesday's meeting.