North Texas
(2009-08-10)
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Dallas City Council members say the proposed budget for next year is a painful balancing act to eliminate a 190 million dollar shortfall without a tax hike. But, KERA's BJ Austin says one councilmember believes the city has "permission" from voters to raise taxes.
Council member Tennell Atkins says when voters approved the 2006 bond package they approved a four percent tax hike to repay the billion in bonds. But the city only raised taxes two percent. Atkins says it seems to him that the city is making its budget woes worse by NOT raising the tax rate as much as votes approved.
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Koop: Because of the economy, the shape of the economy this year and probably into next year, I think it's the wrong time to raise taxes. I think the Manager has presented a balanced budget without raising taxes and I think that's appropriate.
The city is cutting all departments 20 to 30 percent, except police, fire, code enforcement and sanitation. 840 city employees are to get layoff notices Friday. Libraries and rec centers will see hours and programs cut; the grass at parks and along medians will be mowed less frequently; some street maintenance will be put-off, and water bills are going up.
A final vote on the budget comes in September, after a series of Town Hall meetings.
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