Small group participants discuss their reasons behind suggesting cuts and revenue increases. Photo by Elizabeth Fiedler.

by Elizabeth Fiedler, WHYY News

The community budget workshops have wrapped up.  Hundreds of citizens gave their input on how the city should address its budget gap.  Last night the final of four forums was held in West Philadelphia.  WHYY’s Elizabeth Fiedler reports some people came determined to lobby for a cause while others offered sacrifices they’d be willing to make.

Center City resident Andrew Herdan came with a library plan developed by professional appraisers and gallery owners that he says could help raise money to keep the system running.

Herdan: “The libraries have all this stuff sitting in their basements gathering dust: beautiful art work, all kinds of things - that could be sold through the right channels and we have the expertise to identify the channels.”

Tarika Lacy attended the workshop with 7-year-old son Jordan. Photo by Elizabeth Fiedler.

South Philadelphia resident Tarika Lacy says she’d pay for trash pick-up, and may be willing to toss the 10-year tax abatement even though she’s saving to buy a house.

Lacy: “Anything that immediately serves human beings - such as housing, we need the police, recreation.  Anything that contributes to the quality of life I think that should kind of be taken off the list of things on the list to be cut.”

Many forum participants said they’re waiting to see if the Mayor follows the citizen input when he makes his budget decisions.

Mayor Nutter is expected to deliver his budget address on March 19.  WHYY helped coordinate the forums.

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Additional Photos

Participants in the workshops represented a wide range of Philadelphia of Philadelphia's diverse population. Photo by Elizabeth Fiedler.

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Residents and taxpayers study the options for cuts and revenue increases before suggesting solutions. Photo by Elizabeth Fiedler.

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This workshop group had many questions about the DROP program and "payment in lieu of taxes." Photo by Elizabeth Fiedler.