DALLAS - All Dallas Public Library branches and non-essential city facilities are closed today as the City of Dallas implements the final day of mandatory unpaid furloughs to address a $16 million budget shortfall.
Unpaid furlough day in Dallas
What we know:
City employees are required to take three unpaid furlough days this fiscal year, with today marking the third and final closure. In addition to the library system, City Hall and the Park and Recreation Department are closed for the day.
Residents lament Dallas public library closures on citywide furlough day
Dallas enacted the first of three mandatory furlough days on Friday, and residents hoping to spend summer hours at public libraries were disappointed to find them closed.
Essential city operations remain unaffected by the budget cuts. Emergency services, aviation, and sanitation departments are exempt from the furlough days and continue to operate on their normal schedules.
What's next:
City officials noted that the temporary closures are part of broader measures to balance the budget. Normal operating hours for all affected city facilities are expected to resume on Tuesday.
The Source: Information in this article is from the Dallas Public Library and previous FOX 4 reporting.