West Covina finances in bad shape...and getting worse
West Covina's deficit is expected to jump another $1.8 million to $3.9 million as a result of the declining economy and sales tax revenues. As a way to make up for some of the loss, the city is considering selling Prop A transportation funds at 75 cents to the dollar to West Hollywood. The sale will result in an increase in revenues of nearly $750,000.
Other ways the city could be acconting for additional revenues is by looking at personnel:
Staff will begin having informal discussions with all bargaining groups to examine possible employee concessions as an additional way to reduce the budget deficit. Current staff is already experiencing the impacts and stress of personnel reductions due to the additional workload and responsibilities resulting from the restructuring of City Hall. However, with personnel costs accounting for 83 percent of the General Fund Budget, it seems prudent to meet with the bargaining groups in an effort to preserve jobs, avoid layoffs, and minimize the impacts that further service reductions will have on the community.
Meantime, reserve levels continue to drop. In 1990, the available fund balance in the reserve pot was $40 million. In 2009-10, it is projected to dip to nearly $9 million.
And here the council said that we we're doing just fine. Right...
Let's blame it all on Roger Hernandez and Fred Sykes. Yeah, that's the ticket!
Yes I agree with you Roger Hernandez and his buddy Sykes cause way too many problems for West Covina. Send em away with all their self serving propaganda.
Mayor Roger Hernadez's campaign report just in from 7-1-08-12-31-08 he raised $115,765.00 in a non election year. Mayor Roger Hernandez loaned himself $100,000.00 this is from a guy with no job! Smells like Ziad Alhassen is back! Must have sold another car!
Well this deficit was there for along time before your present mayor. The blame should first fall on all your idiot council people the only thing they know what to do is fight with each other. The first thing look who has been on the council the longest and these are the people who have led you down the road of poverty and one name keeps popping up touhey who has siphoned thousands of dollars and wasted thousands of tax payer dollars. All this fighting in the council and backstabbing has to go and clean house with a recall these idiots are all political losers driving your city into a over taxed city with nowhere to go but bankrupt. The current council is now selling off revenue to the city instead of bringing in revenue this is not the way to help the city. GET OUT TO COUNCIL MEETIINGS !!!!!!
Yes, Roger Hernandez has been on council a long time and with his buddy Sykes they have been doing all they can to take West Covina into the red. Shadow Oak Park comes to mind with the council giving $1.5 million dollars to build a park. Thank the Heavens for the other council people that didn't give them the $8 million dollars they were screaming for. Now they want us to pay for their concocted scheme to do districting so Sykes can get on council and the Mayor try to get control of the council. I say the residents have had enough of this Hernandez and Sykes. RECALL MAYOR HERNANDEZ AND SEND SYKES AWAY!!!
Please come to the council meetings and see who's doing all the fighting.
Remember the three letters BLD. That is where a lot of West Covinas money worries start and will continue for MANY MANY MANY more years to come!!!!!
Who were the major proponents of this $57+ million fiasco? None other than Touhey and Herfert.
Roger Hernandez has done nothing but cause problems as Mayor. Now he is at the helm while we continue to go into deficit. Hernandez is Mayor as WC continues to sink into a fiscal nightmare, go figure.
Hernandez is a sleep at the wheel. If he put as much energy into balancing the City's budget as he does loaning himself money, maybe we could climb out of deficit.
Hernandez is only one vote. He does not have the majority. This mess was created by the current and previous city council. Anyone with a brain can figure that out.
One more thing: I will never support Hernandez, ever again. In fact, I agree with the previous poster and feel that he has done nothing but cause problems, and that loan thing is very fishy.
However, while he is presiding over our worst fiscal situation ever, it is not entirely his fault. The voters are to blame for putting him and the other members of the Council here. We, the people, made a mistake.
Wipe the slate clean. Start with Touley. He has his hand in every pot in every development in the San Gabriel Valley. Why do ya think he is present at council meeetings in other cities. He is hired as a so called "consultant." He brings in the votes from councilmembers from other cities. Wines and dines them. He is given a credit card and an open expense account. He is bought and sold like no bodies business. He contributes big bucks to the District Attorney Campaign, Mr.Cooley. Check it out. Something is definately rotten in West Covina>
I swear we have problems in our city. I say we get the DA in here and investigate all this money and allegations!
Hernandez is under investigation by the DA and FPPC while Touhey is making back room deals.
I cry for my dear city.
Just look at who voted for large pay raises for city employees, especially police and fire. We always hear that if we do not pay what other cities pay, then we will lose the best police and fire personnel. That is so much garbage - if there is an opening they may leave, but who will be leaving the other cities, because they are paid more.
When WC police are paid more than LAPD we have a problem. If they want the same or better pay than LAPD, go work for LAPD.
Touley has deep pockets. He is a smooth politician and opportunist. This guy is street smarts. He can charm the skin off a snake. Beware this man. Anything he does has much controversy and is questionable.
West Covina if full of haters without an intelligent solution to the problems.
Here is one.....Term Limit
How many of you looser will jump on this idea..
Yes, Roger Hernandez has been on council a long time and with his buddy Sykes they have been doing all they can to take West Covina into the red. Shadow Oak Park comes to mind with the council giving $1.5 million dollars to build a park. Thank the Heavens for the other council people that didn't give them the $8 million dollars they were screaming for. Now they want us to pay for their concocted scheme to do districting so Sykes can get on council and the Mayor try to get control of the council. I say the residents have had enough of this Hernandez and Sykes. RECALL MAYOR HERNANDEZ AND SEND SYKES AWAY!!!
Please come to the council meetings and see who is doing all the fighting.
It's the blame game. You get mad when the city makes cuts, you get mad when they spend. You get mad when they don't spend on what you want, you get mad when they cut what you want.
I have lived in WC for 50+ years and seen council people come and go. I have seen the budgets good and I have seen some bad. Right now there are tough times for everyone and to blame your city people is not a solution or is it right.
But I suppose it's easier to point a finger at those working to find solutions than to have a solution of your own..... other than eliminating decent people. If you put in five new people you all would still be yelling about them... unless it was you up there, then everyone would be yelling and blaming you...
Yeah don't eliminate those "decent" people who are out there working to find solutions......you know, solutions to the problems they helped cause. Instead of caring about the average taxpayer in town, or their needs....this crowd has been more concerned with their own special interests, future career paths and financial gain. Time to start over in my mind....get rid of them all.
Helped cause??? Okay the 40% loss in sales revenues is the city peoples fault? I don't think so. When the city people do things for the community it becomes a special interest? That is preposterous. The average tax payer is? YOU? The projects that have happened over the past few years are sucessful and used by this so called average tax payer. Far from being a special interest.
Since anonymous, you offer no solution or information about your comments I can see where the people of West Covina will understand where your comments are based and what they are full of.
Yes, Roger Hernandez has been on council a long time and with his buddy Sykes they have been doing all they can to take West Covina into the red. Shadow Oak Park comes to mind with the council giving $1.5 million dollars to build a park. Thank the Heavens for the other council people that didn't give them the $8 million dollars they were screaming for. Now they want us to pay for their concocted scheme to do districting so Sykes can get on council and the Mayor try to get control of the council. I say the residents have had enough of this Hernandez and Sykes. RECALL MAYOR HERNANDEZ AND SEND SYKES AWAY!!!
Please come to the council meetings and see who is doing all the fighting.
Of course it is not the "city peoples" fault that sales are down 40%, instead it is their fault for preparing a budget based on sales tax that was at an all time high with no provision for the possibility of a down turn. When times are good, you put money into your reserves for a rainy day, not spend with reckless abandon.
Commercial development is certainly not a bad thing, that is when it is properly planned and the burden of the financial strains is properly placed on the developer making millions on the development. This council hasn't followed that course of action. Instead, those like Touhey have capitalized personally off working with these developers while putting much of the financial burden at the feet of the average taxpayer.
I think Hernandez and Heifert are responsible
Anonymous, there is no way possible city people could plan any better for what just happened in our economy today. Open your eyes and look around. You may be like me and retired, but that doesn't stop me from seeing reality.
And you talk about "put money into your reserves for a rainy day" if you read the paper today West Covina has a 51 million dollar reserve account. That is un-heard of! Check ANY surrounding city and see what there reserves are. Not near what West Covina has. As a financial broker most of my life your comments are out there.
You slander a member of council, stating he is capitalizing; this is just more mud you sling without any proof. It sickens me when people like you continue to make comments without any knowledge; just speculation and lies. Sounds like you just don't like someone personally. But if you look at the different projects brought to West Covina and what the financial structure was, your comments would be disregarded, again. I read this stuff daily. I will no longer sit idle while lies are spewed.
RD
RD dream on
Yes, Roger Hernandez has been on council a long time and with his buddy Sykes they have been doing all they can to take West Covina into the red. Shadow Oak Park comes to mind with the council giving $1.5 million dollars to build a park. Thank the Heavens for the other council people that didn't give them the $8 million dollars they were screaming for. Now they want us to pay for their concocted scheme to do districting so Sykes can get on council and the Mayor try to get control of the council. I say the residents have had enough of this Hernandez and Sykes. RECALL MAYOR HERNANDEZ AND SEND SYKES AWAY!!!
Please come to the council meetings and see who is doing all the fighting.
RECALL TOUHEY, SANDERSON AND HEIFERT
RECALL THEM NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
recall this
Yes, Roger Hernandez has been on council a long time and with his buddy Sykes they have been doing all they can to take West Covina into the red. Shadow Oak Park comes to mind with the council giving $1.5 million dollars to build a park. Thank the Heavens for the other council people that didn't give them the $8 million dollars they were screaming for. Now they want us to pay for their concocted scheme to do districting so Sykes can get on council and the Mayor try to get control of the council. I say the residents have had enough of this Hernandez and Sykes. RECALL MAYOR HERNANDEZ AND SEND SYKES AWAY!!!
Please come to the council meetings and see who is doing all the fighting.
February 6, 2009
Old Man, your comments remind me of what a stockbroker told a friend a couple years back - the broker had placed my friends retirement funds into various stocks which fell in value by 2/3rd's, leaving my friend with about a $600,000 loss. The broker's comment was something to the effect of: oh well, nobody could know it would happen. What did you say you worked in Old Man, oh that's right, you were a "financial broker".
Anyone with a basic knowledge of American economics understands that the market swells and shrinks - for city staff/council to not plan for a shrinking economy is irresponsible. They are charged with being the stewards of taxpayer monies and have an obligation to be prudent in how it is spent. Unfortunately, they have chosen to simply increase spending to keep pace with the highest ever increase in revenues(much of the spending of course went to bloated salaries and retirements for these workers)
As for your comment about a 51 million reserve - I hope your right, as more is better than less. However, you might want to read the posting provided at the top of this blog whereby the Tribune reporter indicates that the reserve is actually around 9 million?
As for my remarks about Touhey being some form of "slander" - well it appears your legal knowledge is on par with your understanding of economics.
I understand that Mr. Touhey runs a "consulting" business from his home that advises clients on how to get their projects through various local governments. In my opinion, he is using his public position for personal gain - he is using the contacts, knowledge and influence he has garnered as an elected official to promote financial gain for himself. I have nothing against Mr. Touhey personally, heck he is not unique in what he is doing. Several elected officials have done the exact same thing - is it illegal?, I don't think so. Is it wrong? In my opinion, absolutely! I much prefer someone dedicated to a life in public service, than someone dedicated to making a living from working for the public.
damn that roger hernandez for spending taxpayer money on a park, when he could have used it for raising city employee salaries.
Roger Hernandez is a big doo doo head.
People who disagree with are all doo doo heads
Wah!!!!
I'm hungry
Anonymous, your comparing apples to oranges. You still have no evidence of frivolous spending. Do you expect city people to keep all the taxpayers money under lock and key? It is to be used for street improvements, public service expenditures etc. Still, West Covina has one of the highest reserve accounts around. This speaks volumes for what our city leaders have accomplished. Yes there will be tough times and I still see no evidence that things have not been done in a balanced way. Balance of taking care of residents needs and retention.
Your comments about me are nothing more than speculation. You must have been a palm reader since you are so good at looking into things you have no clue about. Of course the financial market adjusts and you still produce nothing to back up your statements of incorrect spending and lack of responsible government.
As far as the council man, you state "in your opinion" is it wrong? You have no idea of what is happening in your own city or have any valid proof other than what you have been told through the grape vine.
You produce nothing other than words. And I would guess any evidence you would produce would be twisted to suit your opinions. That sky is falling attitude becomes you.
RD
Yes, Roger Hernandez has been on council a long time and with his buddy Sykes they have been doing all they can to take West Covina into the red. Shadow Oak Park comes to mind with the council giving $1.5 million dollars to build a park. Thank the Heavens for the other council people that didn't give them the $8 million dollars they were screaming for. Now they want us to pay for their concocted scheme to do districting so Sykes can get on council and the Mayor try to get control of the council. I say the residents have had enough of this Hernandez and Sykes. RECALL MAYOR HERNANDEZ AND SEND SYKES AWAY!!!
Please come to the council meetings and see who is doing all the fighting
Roger Hernandez eats ca ca.
Thank goodness for the intelligent, cost conscious councilmembers that DID NOT allow Roger Hernandez and his cronies to spend $8 MILLION DOLLARS of general fund money on the tiny addition of Shadow Oak Park. It appears to me with these tough economic times the majority of our civic leaders have managed the budget as well as can be expected and are far outpacing other local communities, not to mention the state and federal government.
well let's see - city spending increased in four short years, from 2004-2008, by over 8 million dollars or about 20%. Did it go to increased road repairs, street lighting, parks, services to the public or did it primarly go to increased city staff salary increases and increased retirement benefits? Maybe you can help another old guy out - what is the City Manager making a year? Is it about a $1000.00 a day or am I wrong? And when he retires, will he be getting about $800.00 a day?
But heck that isn't "frivolous" spending, in your mind it appears to be responsible government.
Yes, Roger Hernandez has been on council a long time and with his buddy Sykes they have been doing all they can to take West Covina into the red. Shadow Oak Park comes to mind with the council giving $1.5 million dollars to build a park. Thank the Heavens for the other council people that didn't give them the $8 million dollars they were screaming for. Now they want us to pay for their concocted scheme to do districting so Sykes can get on council and the Mayor try to get control of the council. I say the residents have had enough of this Hernandez and Sykes. RECALL MAYOR HERNANDEZ AND SEND SYKES AWAY!!!
Please come to the council meetings and see who is doing all the fighting.
This is the same Roger Hernadez that voted himself a 400% pay increase!
400% 400%
So your saying he SINGLE HANDEDLY VOTED HIMSELF A PAY INCREASE......WITHOUT THE ADDITIONAL 2 VOTES HE WOULD HAVE NEED TO HAVE A MAJORITY VOTE ON A CITY COUNCIL ACTION.
THIS GUY HERNANDEZ IS AMAZING. HOW IS ABLE TO DO IMPOSSIBLE THINGS LIKE THAT???
No anonymous - city spending didn't increase by 8 million in 2004... and yes, there is a very large portion of the dollars going to street improvements that were voted on and ear marked for this in 1999. Check the records.
"Note", street lights are paid for by Edison... good one. I guess this proves my point, you will do what you have to twist what is actually happening in city government.
Now you blame what is paid to the city people? Increased salaries; Public Safety that protects, yes you, is the largest part of their budget and of course as time passes it has increased. I read that currently West Covina has the most officers on the street now. As this economic tragedy advances, so will crime.
As far as helping an old man out; well reduced public safety is what you want, then you will not be helped out. I sure hope if there are two calls to help a few old men out, they come to my house first.
RD
Don't give me your facts. The deficit increased by a gillion gaziollion dollars because I say so. I'm a member of the public so that means anything I say has to be treated as true.
Hernandez is a big doo doo head.
After Roger Hernandez voted himself a 400% pay increase, his other two votes were not re elected. The people said NO to them.
Hernandez's abusive past came back to haunt him as ex girl friends spoke out about his anger issues. Former colleagues on the school board told us about his abuse of power and misuse. of public funds.
Now as a councilmember he has had trouble with the law, been under investigation by the DA and FPPC, had his campaign manager resign for being convicted of voter fraud, got a sweetheart deal on an SUV, verbally abused employees at city hall, has several pending lawsits against him and the city, is trying to divide our city into sections to get his cronies on the council, over charged his city credit card....
We can go on and on. Our city deserves better.
This guy needs serious help. Psychological help.
"check the records" is right....the city's own website lays out the 8 Million plus increase in spending from 2004-2008!
As for Edison paying for lighting, you must be kidding. We pay for lighting, Edison doesn't run those lights for free my friend.
As for being against "public safety", nope just against the outrageous increases both in salary and benefits that have been doled out to ALL city staff.
Yes, Roger Hernandez has been on council a long time and with his buddy Sykes they have been doing all they can to take West Covina into the red. Shadow Oak Park comes to mind with the council giving $1.5 million dollars to build a park. Thank the Heavens for the other council people that didn't give them the $8 million dollars they were screaming for. Now they want us to pay for their concocted scheme to do districting so Sykes can get on council and the Mayor try to get control of the council. I say the residents have had enough of this Hernandez and Sykes. RECALL MAYOR HERNANDEZ AND SEND SYKES AWAY!!!
Please come to the council meetings and see who is doing all the fighting.
West Covina is considering a Ambulance/Paramedic Subscription Tax tonight come out, Just say No!
After Roger Hernandez voted himself a 400% pay increase, his other two votes were not re elected. The people said NO to them.
Hernandez's abusive past came back to haunt him as ex girl friends spoke out about his anger issues. Former colleagues on the school board told us about his abuse of power and misuse. of public funds.
Now as a councilmember he has had trouble with the law, been under investigation by the DA and FPPC, had his campaign manager resign for being convicted of voter fraud, got a sweetheart deal on an SUV, verbally abused employees at city hall, has several pending lawsits against him and the city, is trying to divide our city into sections to get his cronies on the council, over charged his city credit card....
We can go on and on. Our city deserves better.
This guy needs serious help. Psychological help.
No, the person who is so obsessed with Roger Hernandez that he posts repeatedly and under multiple alias and under any thread (even those involving an entirely different Hernandez) is the one who needs serious psychological help.
I actually voted for the guy! I will never again support Roger Hernandez after what he did to our city. The way he treats people, especially women, is disgusting.