City Council not sold on taxes to fund Philadelphia schools

As Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter pushes hard to help bail out the city schools, none of the many options to raise the cash has enough city council votes at least for now.

Councilmembers are not ready to say what they will do to help the school district. Councilman Darrell Clarke said there are a number of proposals going around including a combination of higher parking meter fees, a sugary drinks tax and a real estate tax increase.

“I don’t want to say at this point what I’m prepared to vote for,” said Clarke.

Councilwoman Blondell Renyolds Brown is short on specifics as well.

“Ultimately I think it will be a blend of all these ideas,” said Brown.

Councilwoman Maria Quionnes Sanchez said the city needs to prompt the state to act.

“Harrisburg is watching about what we are going to do as it relates to this looming deficit,” said Sanchez.

Councilman Bill Green said the district can make the right cuts to eliminate most of their problems without forcing the city to raise taxes.