City Programs Under Budgetary Review
The City Council began work this week deciding which youth, family and senior programs should have top priority when the budget is drawn up for the next fiscal year.
“We’re in an information-gathering mode only,” said Al King Jr., community services director. “It’s not a cutting process yet. We’re taking a look at issues like costs, participation levels and whether the programs are meeting the needs of residents.”
About 50 community service programs were reviewed Monday, with eight of these recommended for deletion from the budget because of scant public interest. Those include the holiday crafts fair, neighborhood preservation program and adult in-line skating.
The council is also seeking ways to reduce costs for popular programs such as after-school recreation, and leisure classes such as dog obedience training and ceramics, which will not be cut.
“The council has really identified a concern for being cost effective,” King said.
The public will have another chance next month to comment on the budget before it is finalized in June, King said.
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