Faced with a massive budget crunch, the Los Angeles City Council moved quickly Tuesday to raise zoo admission prices - by as much as 40 percent for children - but balked at boosting water and power rates amid widespread public opposition according to the Daily News.
The zoo hikes are expected to bring in $450,000 toward cutting a projected $20 million budget deficit this year, even as a city official called Tuesday for a review of dozens of other proposals designed to save money or raise revenue for the city.
But amid a campaign by neighborhood councils decrying proposed Department of Water and Power rate hikes, the council deferred any action until early next month.
While the council approved hiking zoo charges by $2, to $12 for adults (13 and over), to $7 for children (2 to 12) and to $9 for seniors (62 and over) effective July 1 - an additional $1 in 2009, and $1 more in 2010 for all - it was the DWP hikes that dominated its Tuesday meeting.
But the DWP rates, originally sought to be imposed two months ago, proved more difficult and once again the council put off a decision.
After nearly four hours of public comment and discussion, the council wavered on the need for the increases - 6 percent over two years for water and 9 percent over three years for power - amid questions about whether the agency would use the money wisely.
Read it here: L.A. Zoo story: Fees to rise as much as 40%