ST. PETERSBURG — The city needs to cut $5-million out of its budget to produce up for Amendment 1 revenue shortfalls.

Now, everyone from the city’s police officers to youth athletic groups might have to pay up.

No final decisions have been made, but here are some of the reductions city officials have come up with so far and how much they would save:

• Eliminate staff positions or continued savings from 2007 staff reductions: $514,300
• Reduce civilian activities in police and fire departments: $384,600
• Savings from new energy efficient traffic and street lights: $320,000
• Increase or implement fees for Fire station services such as false alarms,
  inspections and plans review: $276,400
• Eliminate recreation services at Rio Vista after-school program: $262,000
• Reduce parks maintenance: $249,300
• Increase activity and participation fees related to Teen Arts, Sports & Cultural Opportunities program: $185,200
• Increase existing or create new athletic field rental fees: $116,000
• Reduce greenscape budget: $100,000
• Reduce library hours: $93,300
• Charge police officers for driving squad vehicles to an out-of-city address: $85,000
• Reduce travel, training and memberships expenditures: $37,100
• Reduce City Council expenditures: $10,000
• Eliminate weekend supervision at Fossil Skate Park: $4,600
• Eliminate flu shots: $4,200

– Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Original post by tampabaycom