AURORA — The city faces a budget shortfall next year of $10 million, and some popular programs will have to be axed, including library hours.
The proposed cuts include closing the Chambers Plaza Public Library. The library system suffered cuts several years ago, but the City Council was able to restore them. The Fitzsimons Pool also will be shuttered next year under the plan.
Also, the city will eliminate 50 positions, but 43 of those are already vacant.
City Manager Ron Miller presented the proposed budget to the City Council on Wednesday night. The council plans to meet at an all-day budget session next week before adopting the final spending plan in October.
“Cutting this many employees, services will be noticeably affected,” Miller said.
The general fund, from which most services are funded, is projected to be at $246 million in 2009, down 1 percent from 2008.
City officials said the shortfall in the budget is due to the slumping economy, higher gas prices and a decrease in projected sales-tax revenue next year.
Sales-tax revenue will be down about 3.8 percent next year compared with projections, said budget official Greg Hays.
The city took a big hit in construction-related use taxes, which are projected to drop from $13 million this year to $6.3 million next year, Hays said. Also, the foreclosure rate in Arapahoe County was 13 percent higher this July compared with the same month last year.
The Fire Department will have to cut six positions next year, according to the proposed budget. And a new fire station will be pushed back a year. Fire Chief Mike Garcia said adjustments in shifts and equipment at fire stations will help make up the losses.
“With the economy, we all had to ante up,” Garcia said.
About $2.2 million slated for fleet replacement will not be spent, and the Police Department will see six positions go away, although five of those are already vacant. All are front-desk personnel, and none are officers patrolling the streets.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
