Speak Up Tonight About Long Beach's Budget

Ever wonder why there are sudden surprise deficits or unexpected windfalls--like oil tax revenues--that the City of Long Beach undergoes at budget time?

There will be a community meeting at 6 p.m. today to discuss the proposed 2012 budget Councilman Gary DeLong, who represents Belmont Shore, Naples and other surrounding neighborhoods, will attend along with City Manager Pat West. Also attending to answer public questions will be Director of Financial Management John Gross.

The public is invited to share their thoughts and concerns at tonight's community meeting.

“The council is required to balance the budget....so we have to find revenue opportunities to close that gap,” said Joe Toney, legislative analyst for DeLong's office.