The police department gets money to start the hiring process for 30 new officers. Parks and Rec can now keep some of the city's swimming pools, a senior center and after-school sports programs open. And the number of rotating fire company closures, or brownouts, is cut in half. Fire Chief Ray Jones says four brownouts would have been too risky.
Jones:"Even with two brownouts, we do feel that there’s gonna be a challenge. There will be some delayed response. But I can tell you, it's a whole lot better for our community just to have the two and not four."
But in order to fund those priorities, the city council had to use millions in one-time funds. That could make next year's deficit even worse. And the city's budget story still has another chapter left: If the city and its unions can't agree to labor concessions in the next month, 150 more employees could get pink slips.
Potential November Ballot Measure
The council also voted to move forward with placing a measure on the November ballot that could bring more revenue to City Hall.
It would increase the fees charged to businesses that operate within city limits. It would also tax Sacramento's medical marijuana dispensaries.
The city attorney's office will now write the measure up, and bring it back to the council in mid-July.
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Sac City Council Budget Boosts Police, Fire, Parks
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By
Ben Adler
Sacramento City Council members at Tuesday's meeting
It’s hard to call anyone a winner in the city of Sacramento’s budget this year. The spending plan approved Tuesday closes a $43 million gap with 100 layoffs and sharp service cuts. But the city council did help some departments.
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010