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, cutting civilian positions in public safety services, as well as shifting about $4.3 million in Mission Bay Park revenue to the general fund, effectively putting off maintenance projects. Council also reduced K-9 and mounted police units. City Council approved the budget recommendations 7-1 on 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 initially approved recommendations on Dec. 9, and reaffirmed their positions this week with final approval Monday. Community service cuts: • 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