People could also see less street maintenance in the coming year, as the city budgets less for paving and sidewalk repairs. "After a while, people will see that the roads may be a little rougher shape, it will take us a little longer to get out to fill the potholes," said Patrick Wiemiller, Public Works Director for the City of Fresno. Public Works is also moving to eliminate tree trimming along city streets.
The parks department is giving up some of its maintenance duties as well. More than 30 workers will likely lose their jobs and the city's 70 parks would only be mowed every two to three weeks. The city's parks director, Randall Cooper, is hoping community organizations will step up to help in litter control. "We may not mow the grass as often, or pick up trash as often, but you know again, we'll have access to these spaces where some cities are just shutting down entire parks and not letting people have access," said Cooper.
Five city pools are also budget casualties. The city will keep its four main pools open, but five smaller learner pools will stay empty, impacting both children and adults. "I remember there was a time that I was exhaustively looking for places to take my kids to that would be open that wouldn't charge me an arm and a leg in the summer. And I tell you, it's a real need to have that kind of thing offered here at the parks," said Fresno resident Darlene Grayson.
The city's FAX services would also be impacted under the mayor's budget plan, with certain routes running less frequently. The budget has a ways to go before it becomes final. It has to be approved by the council by June 30th and it is still subject to change.
