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Hazelwood Budget Cuts

Effect Rec Centers Hours

        The City of Hazelwood put two tax referendums on the August 5th ballot to create a stream of revenue to help offset its $1.42 million dollar budget deficit. Proposition S passed with a favorable vote of 60 percent; however, Proposition U failed with a favorable vote of 44 percent. Hazelwood needed both of them to pass. Since only one was approved by local voters, the City Council has been forced to make more deep cuts in the budget.

A city spokesman said there is no way these depths of cuts can be made without damaging the quality of municipal services such as recreation, fire, police, street maintenance, code enforcement, leaf vaccuuming and snow removal. Attempts have been made to make these cuts as painless as possible.

The first round of deep budget cuts will affect the Parks and Recreation Division. Starting Sunday, Oct. 5, operating hours on Sundays for both the Hazelwood Community Center, 1186 Teson Road, and Civic Center East, 8969 Dunn Road, will be shortened to 5 p.m. They normally stay open from 1. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Early risers who work out at Civic Center East will be impacted on Monday, Oct. 6, when the facility starts opening up at 8 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. This means local residents will have no access to the Weight Room or Track from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

The City of Hazelwood ialso announced the cancellation of this year’s Halloween Happenings event on planned for Oct. 31, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The city usually has a walk through haunted house, costume contests, games or a hayride.

Other deep budget cuts approved by the City Council will be announced soon.

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