SANTA CRUZ OFFICIALS SAY THE CITY RAISED THE AMOUNT OF FUNDING SPENT ON CITY EMPLOYEES DURING THE 2013 YEAR. IT IS 1ST YEAR OF BUDGET INCREASES SINCE THE ECONOMIC RECESSION CAUSED ADMINSTRATORS TO IMPLEMENT FURLOUGHS, AND BENEFIT CUTBACKS. THE RECENT 5 PERCENT INCREASE INCLUDED MONIES SPENT ON MOVES DESIGNED TO BRING SOME CITY WORKER’S BENEFITS CLOSER TO THEIR ORIGINAL FORM. THE 2013 YEAR ALSO MARKS THE 1ST TIME IN YEARS THAT THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE FULLY STAFFED.