Blaming its meager budget, the Salt Lake City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday to abandon the only recreation center it managed, shifting control of Glendale's Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center to Salt Lake County.

Moments later, as Mayor Ralph Becker looked on, a disgruntled group of Sorenson patrons filed out of the chamber, some shaking their heads.

"For you guys to sit there and act like you're heartbroken over this decision really sounds hollow," Glendale's Jose Garcia said later during public comments. The city, he added, has done well by gays and east-side dog lovers, "but you've told the kids of the Glendale community that they don't mean squat."

The city will save $270,000 with the move, though 18 city employees could lose their jobs. Several council members characterized the vote as "very tough," but expressed confidence the county would not cut services. They also added a list of conditions that include not changing the hours, requiring the county not change programs -- unless requested by a citizen advisory board -- and requiring the volunteer partnerships be retained.

"I have full confidence in Salt Lake County's ability," said Councilman Van Turner, who represents the area.

Sorenson regulars fret higher prices will push low-income kids into the throes of street gangs, while the overall camaraderie in the community will be lost.

"I'm very saddened," said Mindy Simpson. "It's not just a rec center -- well, it's going

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to be just a rec center."

Councilman Luke Garrott, the lone dissenter, said the decision makes sense "administratively," but lacks heart.

"It's so important we make lovers of our city with our children," Garrott said. "The city should be in the business of running quality after-school programs."

The transfer takes effect Jan. 1.

djensen@sltrib.com