SUNNYSIDE — “Tough choices” was the theme of this party.

And few guests left happy.

Residents blasted city officials Monday over suggestions of cutting police officers, recreation programs and other ideas to balance the 2009 budget. Laying off three police officers drew the most ire.

“That’s not the area (to make cuts),” said the Rev. Bob Widmann, a local minister. “It’s crazy. I’m just going to tell you straight up.”

City Council members told them they felt their pain. What’s more, they anticipated the frustrations.

City Manager Eric Swansen and Mayor Paul Garcia scheduled the  special City Council meeting to begin deliberations for the 2009 budget, which they anticipate will be $1.1 million out of budget.

The general budget, also called the current expense fund, relies mostly on taxes and fees for revenue and pays for everything from salaries to court services. Cities are mandated by law to balance one every year and usually begin discussing it about this time.

Swansen warned council members and the audience it would be hard.

“If this was easy we wouldn’t be here,” Swansen said. “If this was easy, we’d all be watching the Olympics.”

With a slide presentation, Swansen painted a picture of escalating costs and falling revenue. He placed some blame on the costs of repaying a loan used to purchase the former Monson feedlot in 2004. Payments will roughly double in 2010.

 Swansen suggested a variety of cuts. Among them:

• Cut two patrol shifts and a detective from the police department, and drop the animal control contract with the Humane Society of Central Washington.

• Eliminate four positions in the community development department, which grants building permits and enforces codes.

• Move three street maintenance workers to the storm water fund.

• Eliminate two parks maintenance workers and parks and recreation activities, including closing the community center.

• He does not recommend closing the pool.

He also told council they could raise utility taxes, charge rent on utilities that use city right of way and imposing a $20 car tab fee for boosting revenue.

About 100 residents crammed into the Law and Justice Center to listen and respond. Many craned their necks to see inside the room.

Council members heard from pastors, social workers, police officers and business owners. Some suggested more prayer, others resident committees.

But few liked the suggestions, especially the police department cuts.

“We feel that we need many things, but not as much as we need police officers,” said Juan Esqueda, a 50-year Sunnyside resident.

Sister Mary Rita Rhode of the nonprofit Nuestra Casa criticized cutting both police and recreation programs because it will lead to kids with more time to cause trouble and fewer officers to stop them. She called it “totally illogical.”

Even Francis Harrington, owner of the Mid-Valley Mall, sent a letter — read by mall manager Greg Meschke — asking the city to reconsider cutting back in the building department.

Council members responded by saying they didn’t like the idea of cuts either but had no choice.

They made no firm decisions, but asked Swansen to figure out how much extra in taxes would pay for those three officers, instead of cutting them. They also asked him to look for partnerships to fund animal control officers, maintain parks and run recreation programming, including asking church groups to keep the community center open on weekends.

Whatever they decide, the belt will be tighter.

“There’s no good outcome tonight,” said Tom Gehlen. “We’re not going to win tonight.”

• Ross Courtney can be reached at 930-8798 or rcourtney@yakimaherald.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct erroneous information that appeared in the originally published version.