By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-859635.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Dallas City Councilman Ron Natinsky thinks he has the support to pass an amendment that will restore some important services at city recreation centers.
Facing a nearly 2-hundred million dollar deficit, Dallas's city manager proposed budget cuts in many departments. But at town hall meetings, Natinsky says citizens wanted to keep rec centers open. They also offer senior and after-school programs.
Natinsky: One of the ironies of the down economy right now is the need for Rec Centers and a place to have kids go, they can't afford camp anymore.
Natinsky says he, the mayor and some others sought extra funding, including a one- percent hike in natural gas franchise fee. That'll bring in more than a million dollars. So some slashed Rec center hours will be restored.
Natinsky: You move the kids from a half a day at camp for 20 kids to a full day at camp for 60 kids. At the same time, you're covering the costs of having the center open, which means it's opened for the rest of the community at a no-charge basis
The Dallas City Council is expected to take up the amendment Monday.