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MARANA - The town of Marana is facing a three to four million dollar deficit for FY2011.

Senior citizens make up a large chunk of Marana's population. To help balance the budget, their place for comradery and activity could be axed.

Between dominos, card games and Rummiekub, Marana's senior center is a hot spot to hang out.

65 year old David Ray says, "I come here 6 days a week, Monday thru Saturday unless I have a doctor's appointment."

Ray says activities like computer, dance and exercise classes keep him young and active, on a budget.

"We live on limited income, social security," says Ray.

But the senior center, parks and recreation, and jobs in public safety could be eliminated, to help balance Marana's budget.

Rodney Campbell, Marana Public Information Officer says, "We're talking personnel, services and programs too. To talk about anything specific is pretty premature."

So Wednesday, the first of two open houses were held for concerned citizens.
Marana town leaders are asking for public input, ideas on how to cut budget expenses by upwards of four million dollars.

Ray and friends packed the audience.

"Do not do away with the senior center. I mean there may be concessions that we have to take and work with but just leave the senior center here. It's our life," says Ray.

Town leaders say a decision on what needs cutting, needs to happen soon.

Town leaders are looking for more public input.

A second budget open house will be held next Wednesday at 6pm at the Heritage Highland's Retirement Community.

If you can't make the meeting, but want to make your voice heard, email your ideas to "budget@marana.com"