Update: Mayor’s budget announcement

Though he won’t be in office next year, Mayor Nickels is still charged with presenting a budget proposal – and he’s doing that right now before the Seattle City Council; watch it live online via Seattle Channel. 2:35 PM UPDATE: The speech is over; it was more of a farewell address and list of accomplishments, than a detailed budget presentation (all that will be in the documentation – which you can find here). Among a few mentions: 446,000 potholes filled (and a plug for continuing to report them to 206-684-ROAD), 21 more patrol-officer positions to be added to Seattle Police, and six reservoirs covered or being covered (including Myrtle and West Seattle/Westcrest). As noted here yesterday, three budget hearings are coming up, all listed here.

Julie September 25, 2009 (5:16 pm)

Wow–neighborhood libraries take a big hit:

“Decrease budget by $1.012 million and 18.8 FTE of library positions associated with reducing library branch operating hours at 21 branches from 50-55 weekly hours to 35 weekly hours.”

That’s a serious reduction. I think this means West Seattle, High Point, and Delridge will be reduced to 35 weekly hours, and be open only 5 days per week. It appears Southwest, as the regional hub, will maintain its 7 days.

Overall library budget is decreased by $2.6 million from the 2010 Endorsed Budget.

Right when people need their libraries most, as they look for employment.

If this worries you, please note this is the mayor’s proposal, and still has to be approved by the city council; contact them, and show up at the budget hearings mentioned above.