Survey: SF Budget Cuts Not Affecting Quality of City Services

San Francisco's budget problems over the past few years haven't necessarily translated into poorer service or more citizen complaints.

The city appears to have succeeded in doing more with less, said an auditor with the City Controller's Office, Andrew Murray.

"The city has been able to hold some service levels steady, and even improve some services despite facing very difficult financial circumstances," he said. Click here to listen.

Complaints about Muni are down over the past year, despite service cuts.

Potholes are being filled faster.

Parks and libraries are being used more.

And crime has dropped.

Murray cautioned that it's too early to determine the long term impact of recent budget cuts, though the mayor saw progress in changing how government is run.

"Just because you cut something doesn't mean you get a worse level of service or a diminished level of service. It's about reform," said Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Much of the $500 million of savings in this year's $6.5 billion budget come from fee increases and labor givebacks rather than cuts.