Norwalk : $55.5-Million Budget Up About 10% Over Last Year

The City Council on Tuesday approved a budget for 1990-91 that calls for the city to spend $55.5 million--about 10% more than last year--including $16.7 million on capital projects such as a new arts and sports center at Norwalk Park.

The $38.8 million the city will spend for ongoing operations will continue various programs started last year, including the city’s anti-gang program. It also includes additional spending of $423,000 for improved landscaping maintenance. Employee raises of 5% will cost the city $600,000 this year.

The City Council decided to spend an additional $991,000 to more than double the number of seats--from 800 to 2,000--at the yet-to-be-built amphitheater at Norwalk Park, and to make other improvements in the arts and sports center.

Norwalk is projected to finish the year with a general fund reserve of more than $10 million, about the same as last year.