Here's What's Hot On CBS11TV.COM:
May 18, 2009 2:55 pm US/Central
Dallas City Leaders Grapple With Budget
City unveils plan to tackle projected $190 million shortfall
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Dallas city leaders are faced with some big budget decisions. A briefing package prepared for the council shows the city faces a $190.2 million budget shortfall being forecast for the upcoming 2009-10 fiscal year.
In a February briefing, the budget forecast included a $140 million deficit.
The city is already looking at ways to cut about $90 million of the projected shortfall. One proposal includes raising parking meter rates by $0.25 an hour. Next week, the city council could decide whether to furlough civilian employees.
Public safety is not immune to the budget cutting proposals. According to the briefing, one idea includes cutting some police overtime and police hiring bonuses.
Other proposals include cutting Sunday hours at neighborhood libraries, which includes eliminating eight hours of operation at the Central library. Under another idea, city-owned recreation centers would not be opened as often.
The briefing also brings up the possibility of rate increases. One plan includes a possible 6% water rate increase, a storm water drainage fee and other fees.
The briefing goes on to explain the impact budget reductions will have in Dallas. Those results include the elimination of certain services, slower delivery of other services and the increased potential for errors along with the potential for layoffs.
The city council will hold a briefing session at city hall Wednesday morning, May 20, to review the budget forecast. You can read highlights of the report
here.
Count on CBS 11 for more reports about the Dallas budget and how it will impact those who live, work or depend on Dallas city services.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Hollywood Hair
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
