RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

The City Council has approved the community’s first budget, which includes money to beef up sheriff’s patrols, pay for a number of community programs and develop the Intergenerational Community Center.

The spending plan adopted last week estimates the city, which incorporated Jan. 1, will collect about $7.5 million in tax revenue in fiscal 2000-01 and have a $1.64-million surplus. It includes $1.2 million for additional law enforcement and funds for construction of the $3.75-million community center.

Council members emphasized their commitment to the younger members of the community by setting aside $2,000 for Trabuco Hills High School’s “grad night” celebration and $300,000 for youth recreation programs.