Aug 17 2009
City of Chicago is closed today!
I was racking my brain trying to figure out why Chicago Public Libraries were going to be closed today. Sure, I’ve let my Public Holidays, Festivals and Events monthly review stall a few months ago so I’ve not reviewed August… but still… what on earth was going on in mid/end-August in Chicago?
City of Chicago seal from wikipedia
Turns out it’s a City of Chicago “reduced service day”: all non-essential city services will NOT be functioning today. City Hall is closed, as are all public libraries, and public health clinics. Services such as garbage pick-up and street sweeping are also off today.
This furlough day is the first of three reduced service days planned this year by the City of Chicago in an attempt to save money and close a hole in the city budget: $8.3 million is expected to be saved in this manner this year.
Of course, there is no way for the entire city to shut down. Fire, Police and other direct public-safety providers are functioning as usual.
 image by kodakgold |
… as is Parking Enforcement …
Yes, you read that right.
It is an income generator, after all!
Please take note of the two other reduced service days this year:
- the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday!), and
- Christmas Eve
.
What do you think about steps like this one to close a budget?
Were any of you inconvenienced by this “reduced service day”?
