Early projections show Santa Ana officials staring down the barrel of an expected $19 million budget deficit this summer years before a sales tax measure increase is set to expire and strike a $30 million blow to city coffers.
Last week, Santa Ana city staff told elected leaders that while they initially expected a $8.5 million budget gap, they are now estimating a deficit more than double that if they don’t make any changes.
Councilwoman Jessie Lopez, who is running for state assembly, said the deficit will mean officials will have to cut a host of services, programs and other costs that matter to residents…