Helping Libraries and Parks Stay Open

Councilmember LaBonge is asking the Department of Water and Power to defer bills to city parks and libraries until the economy turns around.
The city park and library departments have been forced to limit hours of service to the public because of severe budget cuts. Delaying those utility bill payments could free up money to keep parks and libraries open more.
The DWP was not in the practice of billing these departments for utilities until recent years.
"I am working hard to create additional revenue for departments that were hard-hit by the recent city budget cuts," Councilmember LaBonge said. "Restoring park and library hours is good for the entire city. I hope we can make it happen."
The DWP, Library Department, Department of Recreation and Parks will report to the Budget and Finance Committee and the Energy and Environment Committee later this year so the Council can better assess the affect of the deferment. Read the motion here. You may follow committee rulings and other reports on this motion here as they become available.