The Sacramento City Council has approved $5million of Measure U sales tax funds to be spent on police academies, fire and parks.   But, City Manager John Shirey says the expenditures hide big problems on the horizon,  "Sales taxes are down about three percent -that is quarter to quarter.  That's two quarters in a row that we've seen a decline."

Shirey says the City is facing a $9 million deficit -half of which is from police pensions.

The Council approved funding for twelve fulltime firefighters, two police academies, and nine city swimming pools to be opened full-time during the summer.

Two pools will be opened part time and two of three brownouts in fire coverage will remain.