San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders made it clear right off the bat at the budget hearing going on now that he is not happy with Independent Budget Analyst Andrea Tevlin’s recommendation to put off his proposal to close libraries and recreation centers in the face of a $43 million budget hole.
“I recommend immediate action, she recommends procrastination,” Sanders said. He added that every week that the City Council does not act on his proposals costs the city $330,000.
Sanders proposed that seven libraries, nine recreation centers and one gym be closed along with a myriad of other cuts. He has received significant pushback from city residents and City Council members on the closures.
On Monday, Tevlin recommended that San Diego City Council vote to keep libraries and recreation centers open at least until the city does a comprehensive review of all its facilities.
Today, Tevlin said that she agrees with all but about $2 million of Sanders’ proposed cuts, but does not want to see libraries and recreation centers closed on a “piecemeal” basis.