Despite More Bad Fiscal News, Council Says Budget Is Done

Despite more grim budget news from the mayor's office, City Council members today said they weren't planning on considering any further tax increases to raise revenues.

"I think we passed a budget," said Councilman Bill Greenlee. "We think it's a responsible budget. Certainly at this point in time, I don't see a change in what we do."

As we reported this morning, the Nutter administration is now looking to make further cuts in the face of deteriorating tax revenues. A spending freeze has been placed on all money for equipment and supplies, and all departments face an additional 2 percent budget cut in the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.

This comes on top of $20 million in cuts Mayor Nutter announced two weeks ago after City Council failed to act on Nutter's proposed soda tax. Council did pass a 9.9 percent property tax increase, but Nutter said it would not provide enough revenue to keep the city afloat.

Councilman Jim Kenney also said he didn't forsee more tax hikes to respond to the latest news.

"I don't think it's necessary," he said. "I think we passed a budget that's responsible. It's the mayor's right and authority to make cuts as he see's fit. We do not require him to do it."