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Understanding Long Beach’s $3.7B Budget: What It Means for the Community
The Long Beach City Council’s approval of a $3.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 has reopened significant discussions about the controversial Measure A, a sales tax initially intended to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities and repair municipal infrastructure. Passed in 2016, Measure A originally aimed to direct a portion of sales tax revenue to address a staggering $2.8 billion infrastructure repair backlog while simultaneously ensuring adequate funding for police and fire services towards maintaining public safety.
Ballot Impact: How Measure A Funds Are Allocated
There has been a noticeable shift since Measure A was first implemented. Initially, in 2017, 72% of the funds were allocated to infrastructure projects, with only 26% directed towards police and fire salaries. However, as the years rolled on, this split has dramatically reversed. By FY 2025, only 20% was dedicated to essential infrastructure improvements while around 65% went towards covering existing salaries for public safety personnel. According to projections for FY 2026, this trend continues, with only 14.7% earmarked for infrastructure and a staggering 77.1% for public safety wages.
Community Concerns: What Does This Mean for Public Safety?
The divergence from the original intent of Measure A has raised eyebrows among community members and advisory committee members alike. The Transactions and Use Tax Citizens’ Advisory Committee voted 2-1 in favor of urging the City Council to realign Measure A funding primarily towards improving infrastructure while ensuring public safety funds only cover additional personnel rather than existing payroll costs. Their letter succinctly encapsulates the community’s growing discontent, stating, "This is not the intent of Measure A as it was presented to the community in promotional campaign literature." The report also warns of crucial infrastructure needs that remain unattended as funds are increasingly funneled toward public safety budgets.
City Manager’s Defense: Balancing Public Safety and Infrastructure
In defense of the current budget allocations, City Manager Tom Modica emphasized that the Measure A funds are intended not only for the expansion of public safety resources but also for the maintenance of the existing services. He asserted the dire consequences of not having these funds: without Measure A, he claims, the city would have 110 fewer police officers and face a depletion of essential firefighting resources.
The Future of Long Beach Infrastructure: Necessary Cost vs. Community Safety
The ongoing debate highlights the persistent tension between supporting public safety through adequate funding and addressing the longstanding infrastructure needs plaguing Long Beach. With critical assets like streets, sidewalks, and drainage systems falling into disrepair, the community is left to wonder, when will infrastructure become a priority once more?
Conclusion: The Path Forward
This debate is critical for Long Beach residents as they navigate the challenges of public safety and essential infrastructure development. While Measure A provides necessary funds, the findings suggest a re-evaluation of how these funds are used is in order. A thoughtful reassessment will not only benefit emergency services but may also bring more focus to delayed infrastructure projects that affect daily life for Long Beach citizens.
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