Extra-Long (Unpaid) Weekend for Dallas Employees
City's pools, libraries and recreation centers closed Monday
By ELLEN GOLDBERG
Updated 10:00 PM CST, Fri, Jul 3, 2009
It's going to be an extra-long holiday weekend for many Dallas city workers, who are required to take Monday off -- without pay.
Monday is the first of two mandatory furlough days approved by the Dallas City Council.
The city is trying to keep its head above water in a time of record deficits. The city expects to save $1.7 million by closing dozens of city facilities Monday and again on Labor Day.
"I don’t think it's a good plan, but they see a bigger picture than we do," Dallas resident Vivianne Dumas said.
The city’s 21 swimming pools will be closed Monday, along with libraries and recreation centers.
Dumas said she thinks the city could have found other solutions.
"There is a whole lot of ways the city could save money," she said. "I don't think this is the right one, absolutely not."
News of the closure made waves at city-owned water park Bahama Beach in Oak Cliff.
"It’s a holiday weekend, and there is no other place for children to go," Dumas said.
"That’s not good," Dallas resident Mack Hazley said. "We’re talking about 100-plus degree days."
Garbage and recycling will run as scheduled Monday. The police and fire departments will also operate on a normal schedule. All other city employees are being forced to take an unpaid day off.
The next furlough day is on Sept. 4.
First Published: Jul 3, 2009 8:20 PM CST
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