Reductions in public safety positions and additional cuts to city services marked the final action of the San Diego City Council in 2009 as council members recess until next year. The San Diego City Council on Monday approved midyear budget amendments to help close an estimated $179 million budget deficit projected for 2011. Part of the mayor’s 18-month plan adopted by the council includes cutting administrative positions, reducing library hours at all branches and cutting civilian positions in public safety services, as well as shifting about $4.3 million in Mission Bay revenue to the general fund, effectively putting off maintenance projects. Cuts also include reductions to lifeguard services at Torrey Pines State Beach for nine months out of the year, according to city documents. During the council meeting, District 1 Councilwoman Sherri Lightner pointed to revenue owed the city for lifeguard services that could cover “lifeguard services at Torrey Pines State Beach, or the restoration thereof.” Council also reduced K-9 and mounted police units. City Council approved the budget recommendations 7-1 Dec. 14, with District 5 Councilman Carl DeMaio reiterating his vote against the mayor’s recommendations because it is “not structurally balanced,” he said. “It relies on one-time monies… one-time fixes that will fall apart in… 2012,” DeMaio said. “It also intentionally underfunds our retiree healthcare benefits to the tune of $60 million.” Though council voted to approve the changes, the city would still face an estimated $77 million deficit next year, he said. Council members initially approved recommendations on Dec. 9 and reaffirmed their positions this week with final approval Monday, Dec. 14. Summary (according to Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revision) Community Services: • Reduction of library hours to 36 hours a week and elimination of 15 “Fulltime Equivalent” (FTE) positions • Reduction of Balboa Park parking lot sweeping service and 1 FTE position • Winter restroom closures in Park and Recreation Department • Implement rolling “brown outs” by a reduction of eight engines from fire stations • Elimination of services at Torrey Pines State Beach for nine months • Reduction of a Lifeguard II at Wind & Sea • Reduction of 41 police department civilian positions • An estimated $4.3 million in Mission Bay Park improvement deferred maintenance