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OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

AREA POOLS

At issue: There has been hand-wringing among members of the swimming community on the possibility of cuts that would close public pools in the city. But four City Council members and the mayor say they oppose such cuts. "It's not going to happen," says Councilman Danny Thompson.

Likely outcome: Funding the pools will remain in the budget.

NORTHEAST PARK

At issue: An early draft of the budget by Guilford County shows that eliminating $244,000 could cut all programs there except for pool and trail use. Soccer fields are used heavily and maintained for game-ready purposes. If the cuts go through, upkeep would become minimal. The fields used by recreation soccer leagues could become compromised. About 500 youth soccer players use the fields there, according to Thomas Mashburn, superintendent of the park. "I'm not in favor of that, and I don't think that will be in the final budget," says Guilford County Commissioner Kirk Perkins, who represents the district including the park. "The manager's budget and the budget we pass in June, I don't think they will be anywhere near the same."

Likely outcome: Uncertain. Funding probably won't be eliminated, but reductions could be coming.