There's plenty of red ink in Alameda's future unless civic leaders make some big decisions, according to a staff report prepared for Thursday's city council budget workshop.

Within five years, the city would use up all its reserve funds unless it makes major budget cuts and/or increases taxes, the report indicates. And that's assuming no salary increases for city employees through fiscal year 2015-16.

The report shows the following projected deficits without substantial changes:

• 2011-12, $1.5 million

• 2012-13, $4.4 million

• 2013-14, $3.1 million

• 2014-15, $3.3 million

• 2015-16, $3.4 million

It also outlines how 5 per cent and 10 percent across-the-board budget cuts to city departments might be implemented.

For the Alameda Police Department (the city's single most expensive department), a 5 percent reduction would cut four patrol officers and freeze a currently unfilled jailer position. A 10 percent cut would eliminate seven sworn officers and an unspecified number of non-sworn personnel. All "non-essential" APD programs would be dropped.

In other city departments, cuts might be even more apparent to local residents. A 5 percent reduction in the Recreation and Park Department, for example, could mean the elimination of all free after-school playground programs and spell the end to city-sponsored seasonal events such as the holiday tree lighting and free outdoor movies. A 10 percent cut would, in addition, reduce programs for senior citizens and reduce park maintenance.

The council will hold its special meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Ave.

Click on the video icon above to watch an interview with city manager John Russo from May, 2011 on the city's budget.

The meeting agenda, the staff PowerPoint presentation on the budget and another presentation on results of a voter survey on possible tax increases are available at the City of Alameda website.