By Scott Sherman

Last month, I had the opportunity to stand with Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Council President Sherri Lightner and Councilmember Chris Cate to give an updated budget proposal that will expand neighborhood services and create new fiscal reforms to protect taxpayers.

The proposed budget will further increase operating hours at recreation centers as well as fund additional improvements at parks, recreation centers and libraries. It will also create a pension reserve fund to protect against future budget cuts when pension costs rise unexpectedly.

Highlights of the May Revise include:

• $1.7 million to improve existing Park and Recreation and library facilities.
• $210,000 for library materials.
• $1.2 million to expand from 45 to 60 the weekly operating hours at 20 recreation centers throughout the city.
• $100,000 to enhance the open data initiatives and online budget tool to improve transparency.

Recreation centers are one of the core services that San Diegans expect their taxpayer dollars to provide. Mayor Faulconer’s continued commitment to reinvest in our neighborhoods will help District 7 working families.

The recreation centers in District 7 that will have expanded hours include Allied Gardens, Kearny Mesa, Linda Vista and Tierrasanta.

I am also happy to see funds included to create a pension stabilization reserve fund which will act as a safety net against unforeseen pension payment increases. This reform will help create a buffer for taxpayers and protect neighborhoods from devastating budget cuts that occurred only a few years ago.

The latest budget revision continues to take us in the right direction of investing much needed funds back into our neighborhoods where they belong. I will continue working hard representing you to keep our city government moving in the right direction.