Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Although our economy is in shambles, Santa Barbara is now looking better than it has these past few years.

Because of projections, made by the city's finance staff, recovery is slowly happening. Current and future budgets look better than they have in years.

Transient Occupancy Tax and Sales Tax revenues both have been experiencing positive growth. However, Property Taxes have remained flat, due to the almost non existent real estate market.

The city's plans for a new police command center, the library plaza renovation, downtown sidewalk improvements and other major projects are not actively moving forward. This is due to the future Redevelopment Agency Funds that are in question because of state legislative action.

The city is hoping to keep its 141 positions for its active police force.

© 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.