Jun 11, 2025 - Politics

City budget spares rec centers, reduces library closures

Andrew Keatts

a view of a Lake Murray boat dock with Cowles Mountain in the distance — Weekday access to Lake Murray was among the parks and rec cuts the Council rejected Tuesday. Photo: Andrew Keatts/Axios

Recreation center hours across San Diego won't be slashed after all in the budget approved by the City Council late Tuesday.

Why it matters: The new budget avoids the most controversial cuts proposed by Mayor Todd Gloria as the city addressed a projected $258 million deficit.

Driving the news: The council's budget makes no cuts to recreation center hours or activities at city reservoirs.

It maintains library closures on Sundays, but reverses proposed Monday closures for 16 branches.

Between the lines: The council also cut some middle manager positions, which have exploded in recent years.

It also added $10.5 million in projected revenue in the fiscal year that starts in July, including by expediting plans to charge for parking in Balboa Park.
The council also took up County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer's offer to cover beach fire ring maintenance with county money, preventing the removal of the city's beach firepits.

The intrigue: Gloria spokesperson Rachel Laing, in a statement after the vote, said the mayor will consider vetoing some of the council's changes, emphasizing concerns from budget analysts and the city attorney.

The council approved the budget 7-2, and could override a mayoral veto with six votes.

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City budget spares rec centers, reduces library closures

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