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May 20, 2009 2:53 pm US/Central
Dallas Council Looks For Ways To Save Money
By Arezow Doost
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Job cuts, reduced city services and fee increases -- those are just a few of the things that the Dallas City Council is considering as they try to make budget cuts. The City Council has already made $66 million in cuts, but that still leaves them about $100 million short for the upcoming budget year.
Council members are looking at everything from street repairs to public safety to libraries.
"I have to get back to the work field and get a job," explained Tracey Warren. She comes to the downtown library whenever she wants. But, she said, if the city reduces the library's hours to save money, it would hurt her family. "That's going to hurt me looking for a job or putting my resume out there or updating my resume," Warren said.
The City Manager has said that she is not asking to propose a tax increase.
"I do not believe we should add taxes," said Dallas mayor Tom Leppert. "You have a difficult economy, people are being pushed around a lot. And to have a tax increase… I don't think that's how you treat citizens and taxpayers."
The city is, however, looking at raising some fees. A six percent increase could be applied to the city's water services A nine-cent hike could be applied to trash pick-up each month. You could also start paying 25 cents more to park at meters around the city.
Other cuts could hurt police overtime and maintenance at the city parks.
"We don't see how money is being spent in City Hall," said council member Mitchell Rasansky. He said that the city needs to look at where all the money is going. "One item is $18,000, for some fiberglass peaches at Farmers Market. We are spending $18,000 for some fiberglass peaches for decorations."
The city blames dropping sales tax revenues and declining property values for the deficit.
None of the proposed cuts are final. City leaders will get another update on June 17.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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