City manager Del Borgsdorf's proposal, released May 2, prioritizes city spending on "core functions" such as public safety. But even the police and fire departments won't escape the budget ax.

"Once again, my top priority is preserving funding for the hose wagon and air unit at Fire Station No. 6," said District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager, referring to a proposed consolidation of fire-fighting equipment in his district.

The "safest big city in America" is looking at $4.8 million in cuts to public safety. These cuts would mean the loss of seven sworn officer positions in the police property investigation department, one traffic incident team, and an entire hazardous incident team. City residents would lose neighborhood watch support entirely.

However, union contracts for fire and police personnel are up for negotiation again, and if the unions ask for a salary increase, those savings could disappear.

More drastic reductions target recreational community services. An undefined number of community centers around the city may close unless community service organizations take over the cost of providing these services. That would fill an estimated $600,000 in the city's budget gap.

Libraries, along with community centers, are facing severe changes. The budget proposal suggests closing public libraries on Mondays and limiting Sunday hours.

Yeager said he is not inclined to support the proposal to close libraries on Mondays in favor of Sunday hours.

The Willow Glen branch library isn't open on Sundays now. "Mondays are one of our busiest days," said branch manager Ruth Kohan. "When we open at 11 a.m. there's usually a crowd waiting. I imagine after holiday weekends, if we don't open until Tuesdays it's going to be even busier."

With the change in hours, she said, some staff members would have to work Tuesday through Saturday or Sunday, taking away time usually spent with their families.

Library patrons could have a harder time getting help if the changes are approved by the city council. On Wednesdays at the Willow Glen branch, library patrons would only be able to check out or return books. Anyone needing help would be told to go to the nearest full-service branch.

Kohan said that libraries on limited service days would send staff to other branches that are open for full service to help out. She said her library staff is doing its best to find creative ways to manage the budget cuts while maintaining customer service.

These changes would only save $812,000, according to the budget proposal.

There is one dim beacon of economic hope in the budget proposal. The city's economic development department stands to gain four temporary staffers dedicated to burnishing the city's image to attract tourism, retail, and a major league baseball team, which is high on Mayor Ron Gonzales' list.

None of these measures will be implemented until the city council adopts a final budget on June 21.

Council members will attend two study sessions to become familiar with the details of the budget proposal. The public will be able to speak on the budget at hearings on May 17 and June 13.

Even if the drastic steps are implemented, when budget time rolls around again next year San Jose will be stuck with another $60 million deficit and drained economic reserves, according to the budget proposal.