San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders unveiled his $2.9 billion dollar budget today. He says it's a balanced budget that maintains service levels -- while cutting city jobs. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has the details.
Weighing in at seven pounds, 11 ounces, the mayor's proposed budget is what he calls a “full frontal attack” on inefficiency. There are more than 670 permanent job cuts -- and no raise in sight for firefighters, who demand more money. Even so, the budget is bigger than last year's, and Mayor Sanders insists services will not be cut.
Sanders : Our residents' trash will be picked up on the same schedule, library hours will be the same, rec center and pool hours will continue as planned. Funding to our Arts and Culture Commission, and the many institutions they, in turn, fund, will continue.
More than half of the budget pays for police, firefighters, lifeguards, and homeland security. Sanders promises $10 million in public safety enhancements. His budget goes to the city council next week.
Andrew Phelps, KPBS News.
