In all, 1,063 people took the unscientific Press-Telegram survey. The results were surprising.

In previous years' surveys, a majority of respondents typically opposed a few cuts, often related to health programs, public safety, youth programs or infrastructure repairs.

This time around, only a single budget reduction had clear opposition -- a plan to eliminate one of two auto theft units from the Police Department. The proposal was opposed by 57.6 percent of survey respondents.

When asked whether each department overall should be cut more, less or the same as proposed, respondents gave the most support to the Police Department -- 39.2 percent said it should be cut less, 32 percent supported more cuts and 28.8 percent said the reductions should stay as proposed.

That's an about-face from last year, when a clear majority of respondents said they supported cuts to police.

With the number of police officers dwindling, perhaps the public believes that maintaining public safety should be the highest priority.

"I don't believe that Police or Fire services should be cut at all," one survey respondent wrote. "There's plenty places that you can cut without putting the citizen's (sic) of Long Beach in danger. Forget the extras and keep the things that are necessary."

Needs versus wants

The number of budgeted officers has dropped from a high of 1,020 in 2008 to 960 this year, and the amount would shrink again to 933 under the proposed budget. Because of retirements and other vacancies, the actual number of officers in the department is expected to be 893 at the end of the year, and then only if 15 new officers can be hired.

At council meetings, the cut that has triggered the largest and most emotional outpouring of opposition is the elimination of the Long Beach Municipal Band. However, almost 70 percent of survey respondents said they support cutting the band.

"The free concerts should be ended," one reader wrote. "When the economy improves and the city's spending plan is healthy again, revisit the concerts, but consider charging the public to attend."

Still, those who want to keep the 101-year-old band are passionate about the cause, and many added comments to their surveys.

"I am asking for only one thing. Please keep our wonderful Municipal Band," another respondent said. "They have been here forever."

That divide illustrates the ongoing debate among city officials over how to balance necessities, such as police and firefighters, with quality-of-life programs, such as parks and libraries. West's plan is to cut all of the departments proportionately so that a range of services remains, but some "feel-good" programs still must fall by the wayside.

Survey respondents seem to agree with the idea. For example, a majority supported eliminating parade funding, reducing the Arts Council's budget, and cutting back on the libraries' Family Learning Centers.

Interestingly, the cut that was closest to having a 50-50 divide was one of those "feel-good" costs. A plan to stop displaying American flags along downtown traffic corridors between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, which would save $12,500, was narrowly supported by 53.4 percent of respondents.

The reduction with the greatest support, at 89.9 percent, is one of those "feel-good" programs as well -- programming for Black History Month and Cinco de Mayo.

Despite the many differences between this year's survey and those of past years, some opinions were unchanged.

Cuts to elected and appointed offices -- the mayor, council, city attorney, city prosecutor and city auditor -- continue to get the heaviest support year after year. Almost 88 percent of survey respondents said those offices should be cut more.

Among the additional comments that 370 respondents added to their surveys were many other concerns and suggestions about the budget.

Many said they are concerned about the cost of employee pensions, police and city officials' salaries, and the perks and benefits that some officials receive. More than a few readers said that the salaries for city management, council members and the mayor should be cut, and some said that the mayor or city manager's position should be eliminated altogether.

Auto theft statistics

Of course, the cut of most concern is the elimination of one of Long Beach's two auto theft units, which would cut six police officers and save $816,633.

In 2009 there were 2,358 reported auto thefts in Long Beach, according to police statistics, a 17.8 percent drop from 2,870 in 2008.

In the first three months of 2010, auto thefts were up over the same time frame one year earlier. In April, May and June, auto thefts dropped compared with last year, particularly in June, which saw the greatest change this year with a 19.9 percent drop.

Police Chief Jim McDonnell said in a recent interview that some of the auto theft prevention and investigation responsibilities will be shared by night detectives and other officers as needed. McDonnell said his department will have to be flexible.

"Within the budget we're given, we will move our people around to where we need them so we can protect the people of Long Beach," McDonnell said.

Results from our budget survey: How much would you cut?