Council roadshow gets feedback on budget options

City councilmembers are willing to take their show on the road. They did so last night, gathering in West Oak Lane to hear from the community. It was the second in a series of official "public budget hearings," held far from City Hall – amid the chandeliers and stained glass windows of the Mt. Airy Church of God.

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Mattie Carter is a petite woman with a huge welcoming smile.  But when she starts talking about the mayor's proposed double digit property tax hike, Carter's voice grows serious.

Mattie Carter (Photo credit: Elizabeth Fiedler)

Carter: House taxes going up, property taxes going up, insurance has gone up.  I'm just living one day at a time because on a fixed income, 80 years old, it's hard.  And I want to know ain't there some other way we can do it without increasing property tax?

Councilwoman Marian Tasco says she was disappointed past community budget workshops were not held in the area, so she called for the community hearing to get her constituents' take.  Tasco says this community has different budget priorities.

Tasco: In my opinion those four meetings were populated by interest groups that had a stronger message than the people who are in neighborhoods.

Council is considering all options including a wage tax hike and service cuts.

Additional Photos:

Community members testify at West Oak Lane public hearing. (Photo credit: Elizabeth Fiedler)

A sparse crowd attends budget hearing in West Oak Lane. (Photo credit: Elizabeth Fiedler)