Mayor Greg Nickels has finalized his plans to cut about $13.3 million from the city’s 2009 general fund budget, while preserving funding for public safety and direct human services, according to a press release from his office.

“These are difficult decisions, but these cuts are prudent and we are able to make them while maintaining our core services for public safety and for people in need,” Nickels said.

After consulting with the Seattle City Council and getting feedback from an April 22 public hearing, the mayor restored a position assigned to the Emergency Operations Center. This position will continue to help community groups prepare for disasters.

Departments will begin implementing cuts this month, according to the mayor's office. In anticipation of the 2010 budget deliberations, Nickels will continue looking for additional savings in the months ahead.

Nickels is proposing to tap up to $5 million in reserve funds this year, leaving more than $25 million available to help balance the budget in 2010.