Phoenix eyes closing 5 community centers, cutting 300 jobs Reported by: Rebecca Thomas Email: rebecca.thomas@abc15.com
* Governor calls lawmakers for special budget session today * 6 Phoenix libraries, 75 jobs in jeopardy amid budget cuts
PHOENIX – A series of public hearings are underway this week as the city of Phoenix prepares its 2010-2011 budget to include reductions to city programs and services of about $140 million
The city is calling on its departments to tighten the reigns on their spending.
The Parks and Recreation Department has responded by slashing it's budget by $18 million.
Among the casualties are 300 jobs and five large community centers.
The sites slated to close, if the city council approves the plan during a vote March 2:
Washington Activity Center
Deer Valley Community Center
Desert West Community Center
Mountain View Community Center
Devonshire Senior Center
David Urbinato, with the Parks and Recreation Department, acknowledges this will leave many children without a safe place to spend time after school.
But with the budget as tight as it is this year, he said there aren't many viable options.
If the city council approves the department's plan, those five large community centers, along with 15 smaller ones, will close their doors April 5.
However, before they vote, the city is hosting several community meetings where the public can give their input.
For more information on the proposed cuts and the upcoming public meetings click here.
