Last Minute Budget Talks Save Popular Oakland Programs
OAKLAND (KCBS) – Oakland leaders have agreed to eliminate 105 city positions to fill a $28 million budget gap caused by the loss of state redevelopment money. However, last minute negotiations were able to save popular programs from deep cuts.
The plan avoids earlier proposed cuts to the Oakland Zoo, Children's Fairyland, and neighborhood crime prevention programs.
Some people who spoke at Tuesday night's council meeting were outraged with the cuts being made by council members, many of whom have salaries that came from redevelopment money. Others were upset that there would be no cuts to the police force, adding that they feel the department is terrorizing the Occupy movement.
KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:
Mayor Jean Quan said that she hopes some parts of redevelopment can be saved down the road.
"I'm still most concerned that we won't get money for economic development for our poorest neighborhoods," said Quan.
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