Several Improvement Projects Approved For Lake Elsinore

With extra money on the books, Lake Elsinore expects to move forward on several projects in the upcoming year that will bring improvements to the city.

As a result of the bolstered coffers, on Nov. 8 City Council approved the use of $1,056,055 for capital projects and programs, including the paving of Diamond Circle Drive near The Diamond Stadium; installing new docks for the Seaport Boat launch; adding paved parking in downtown; landscaping the median on Collier Avenue near the Outlet Center; repairing and restriping the parking lot at McVicker Park; paving of Elm Street; improving the City campground, boat launch and beach area; and stocking sport fish in the lake. 

City Council also authorized funding for a facilities maintenance worker position for the Lake, Parks and Recreation Department; the reclassification of a part-time clerical position in the Public Works Department to full-time; and the hiring of an additional Code Enforcement Officer. 

The projects approved by city council are being prioritized, and each will need to come before the council again.

“The projects and positions approved by the City Council will help to improve city facilities and services for the benefit of the Lake Elsinore community,” said Lake Elsinore Mayor Brian Tisdale.

Increased revenue and decreased expenditures made the projects and positions possible.

During the Nov. 8 meeting, city staff presented its First Quarter Budget Review for fiscal year 2011-12. The city saw a General Fund operating budget savings of almost $1.9 million for fiscal year 2010-11, according to the Review. The savings is a combination of an increase in revenue of $822,165 and a decrease in expenditures of $1,064,851 for a total General Fund increase of $1,887,016.

Minus the $1,056,055 for capital projects and programs, the remaining $831,011 will be placed in the City’s Unallocated Revenue Fund Reserve. The city’s total reserve is increased to $8.1 million. 

 “The $8.1 million reserve is 33.8 percent of the General Fund operating budget, which is considered to be very financially strong,” said James Riley, director of administrative services for the city.