Budget Cuts: Public Safety Trumps Other City Services in Memphis

Memphis budget cuts cause library layoffs, changes in hours of operation. (Memphis Commercial Appeal, 7/27/2011)

Excerpt:  City of Memphis budget cuts will cause 43 part-time employees who work in Memphis Public Libraries to lose their jobs. The cuts also are forcing 14 of the libraries to reduce their hours of operation beginning Monday.

The cuts are expected to save $595,000.

George Little, the city's chief administrative officer, said the City Council's public services and neighborhoods committee selected these options to avoid closing any facilities permanently or dismissing full-time employees.

All city divisions, except those that affect public safety, were required to reduce their budget requests.

"In tough economic times, the City Council and mayor had to make some tough decisions," said Councilman Kemp Conrad. "I think it is important that we keep taxes down and still provide those services that will keep our community safe."