Libraries and recreation centers in San Diego will likely continue to operate at their current levels. City council members have made that clear. But how they’ll come up with the money to keep the doors open is still up for debate.
Councilmembers Todd Gloria and Kevin Faulconer have both produced plans. Faulconer said he’s confident they’ll be able to reach a funding agreement.
“I think we’re going to have a budget that protects these programs, about $14 million worth of needed neighborhoods services,” he said. “It’s going to be a combination of revenue from other areas and cuts in other departments. But I think you’re going to see a council that’s committed to doing that.”
Faulconer’s plan includes reallocating some hotel taxes and cutting arts grants. Gloria’s plan also calls for cuts in certain areas and depends partially on increased revenues from marketing partnerships. Both include cutting overtime for non-public safety employees, allocating money from the sale of San Diego’s World Trade Center and eliminating city cell phones for non-public safety employees.
Both plans would save about $13 million. San Diego is facing a $57 million deficit.
