Amendments to Save City Funds

With overwhelming voter approval of two charter amendments, the Torrance City Council has two new ways to cut expenses.

Measure QQ, which seeks to cut the cost of prosecuting those who violate city ordinances, was approved by 66% of the voters. Under the current system, violation of a city ordinance is a misdemeanor and suspects have the right to a jury trial at city expense. City Atty. Stanley Remelmeyer said the City Council is expected to change many violations to infractions, which are civil matters not subject to jury trial.

Measure RR, which allows the city to publish a summary rather than the entire text of a new ordinance, got 62% approval. The city hopes to cut publication costs substantially.