SGV cities: You're not alone

All of us are feeling the strains of the weak economy, and the National League of Cities reports that nationwide, so are cities. Of the 156 cities that responded to the league's survey, 83 percent said they had spending cuts this year, and 80 percent said they anticipate spending cuts next year.

Here's what they cut to save money:

• Hiring freeze and/or layoffs     69%
  Delay, cancellation of capital infrastructure projects    42%
  Across the board service cuts     22%
  Cancelling libraries, parks, events, etc.    20 %
  Reworking employee health care plans    14%
  Public safety    6 %
  Reworking employee/retiree pension plans    4%
  Human/social services    3 %
  Other    17%

And how are they raising revenues?

• Raising property taxes   14%
• Raising sales tax   6%
• Raising income tax     0%
• Raise or institute new fees    49%

Locally, SGV cities have taken some of these approaches, both in cuts and raising money. El Monte and West Covina, for example, instituted across the board cuts, and Irwindale City Manager Robert Griego is recommended to his council they consider the same.