Libraries, Parks Next For Council Higher Minimum Wage For Seasonal Workers Takes Toll, Could Spell Service Cuts For Parks

Week two of a monthlong review of the city of Spokane’s proposed budget for the year 2000 will feature reports on the Parks and Recreation Department, libraries and golf courses when the City Council meets today.

Council members plan to adopt the budget Oct. 25. Public hearings on the budget will be held each Monday until then.

The proposed parks budget is about $12 million, with about half of that going toward payroll and benefits, said Judy Quinlivan, Riverfront Park manager.

“It is a flat budget with some reduced services,” she said Friday. “We have been hit hard with minimum wage increases.”

The city hires about 700 seasonal employees at minimum wage, which state voters recently increased. Utility costs and union employee contracts have also increased, Quinlivan said.

To make up the difference, the Parks Department may have to reduce swimming pool hours and Riverfront Park operating hours, she said.

Spokane Public Library Director Aubrey George is expected to concentrate on maintaining buildings and service levels as he presents his $7.7 million proposed budget.

The budget is slightly higher than last year.

Besides keeping up buildings and the book inventory, the library is striving to stay current with technology and Internet needs of customers, George said.

Information on the proposed golf budget was not available Friday.

The council is also scheduled today to hear a report on the city’s industrial land inventory. Under the state Growth Management Act, cities and counties are required to identify property suitable for various needs over the next 20 years.

This sidebar appeared with the story: IF YOU GO Budget review A City Council briefing session will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the council briefing center on the lower level of City Hall. The City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chamber, also on the lower level.