News From the Councilman: Zine Dedicates Money for Parks

Each week, Councilman Dennis Zine's office issues an update with events and actions the councilman has been involved with that week. In addition to election results, top news included a note on the city budget.

Following is that section of Councilman Zine's newsletter:

On Thursday, the Council approved the Mayor's proposed Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget. The total city budget is $7.7 billion and some of the key highlights include maintaining the police force at 10,000 officers, increasing funding for the Fire Department, adding funding for tree trimming and street maintenance, and creating a new economic development department. 

The budget also includes a Reserve Fund of $260 million which is 5.25% of the total budget and $66 million set aside for future budgets. 

Councilman Zine also got the approval to transfer some of his discretionary funds to support two recreation and parks project in the district. He committed $250,000 for the completion of a new playground at Tarzana Park and $150,000 for the construction of a new skate park at Lanark Park. The new budget takes effect July 1, 2013.