SAN DIEGO -- Mayor Jerry Sanders Wednesday proposed a package of staff reductions and closings to eliminate a $43 million budget gap.

"We're cutting things that have never been cut before, frankly," Sanders said.

Taking hits for the first time under Sanders are the police and fire departments. He is also asking for 10 percent budget cuts in the staffs of the city clerk and City Council. His own office will take a 15 percent budget cut.

Among the cutbacks:

Four of seven deputy chief operating officers will lose their jobs

Operations will be suspended at nine recreation centers, seven libraries and all six of the city's customer service centers

The number of civilians in the SDPD's administrative staff and community service officers will be reduced by 37

The number of fire companies active on any given day will decrease from 60 to 58

Police Chief William Lansdowne and fire Chief Tracy Jarman said public safety would not be compromised, but there will be fewer recruits.

The budget for the fiscal year ending June 30 has fallen victim to a stagnating economy, and city revenues have been hit hard, said Jay Goldstone, the city's chief operating officer.

Goldstone projected $14.5 million less in property tax revenues, $6 million less in sale tax revenues and lower revenues from hotel room taxes and other city fees, he said.

The mayor's proposal requires City Council approval. Sanders said he had spoken to several council members and they understand the gravity of the situation.

"The easy cuts have already been made," Sanders said. "There's no more low-hanging fruit."

Of the three new council members, he supported only Todd Gloria in District 3. However, Sanders said he's known incoming District 7 Councilwoman Marti Emerald for 20 years and expects to work well with her.

The reductions being proposed are the result of long conferences with department managers and meetings with labor leaders, Sanders said.

The recreation centers that would be closed are Penn, Adams, Azalea, Cabrillo, Stockton, Presidio, Lopez Ridge, Cadman and Tecolote -- plus the Black Mountain Gym.

Sanders said they were the smallest recreation centers in the park system, and their closures will be in effect through the 2010 fiscal year. Their buildings could be used for offices for municipal employees so the city can save money on rent.

Hours might be reduced at Robb Field, the Municipal Gym, Balboa Park Activity Center and several other centers, he said.

Additionally, the proposals include the removal of fire rings at Mission Beach and Mission Bay Park and the closure of restrooms at Mission Bay and Shoreline parks during the winter months.

Libraries that would be closed are the University Community, Ocean Beach, University Heights, Mountain View/Beckwourth, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Clairemont and Allied Gardens/Benjamin branches.

"While our goal has been to minimize the impacts to residents, there's simply no denying that these budget cuts are going to be painful for all of us," Sanders said. "I want San Diegans to recognize that, even under these extraordinarily challenging economic circumstances, we're going to maintain the city's core functions and keep in place as many community services as we can -- but we're going to do it without smoke and mirrors."

The city is close to the point where residents will want a return to a higher level of services and will let officials know whether they're willing to pay for them, Sanders said.

He said he was aware that sales tax increases were approved Tuesday in El Cajon and La Mesa.

"Frankly, I'm surprised that they passed," Sanders said.

City officials not only have the current fiscal year to worry about, but challenges are already arising for the 2009-10 budget. It's estimated that the initial budget deficit for the next fiscal year is $35 million.

Beside tax or fee increases, the city will consider shrinking the work week, along with about 200 suggestions made by employees, the mayor said.