Embattled D.C. Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi on Thursday offered a rosy picture of the District’s finances for this fiscal year, predicting the city will end 2008 with an $80 million surplus.

Gandhi edged up his revenue estimates for the year by $50 million over his September forecast, thanks in large part to the continuing strength of the city’s property market. Total general fund revenue in 2008 is projected at $5.19 billion, Gandhi said.