Philadelphia city council still seeking budget solution

The city of Philadelphia still needs a budget for the fiscal year beginning July first. 

The proposed spending blueprint still has its problems, including the school district’s request for $94 million in additional money to help plug a nearly $300 million hole.

Councilman Wilson Goode says there are still questions about re-assessing all properties and in the process, bringing in millions more than collected now.

“If fair assessment means a lower tax bill for many, if not most we should do what is right,” said Clarke.  “Trying to protect some constituencies from paying their fair share while denying others more tax relief is simply wrong. In fact that’s a part of what we’re supposed to be fixing in this.”

Councilman David Oh is one of the new members of Council.  He says council is working hard together.

“This has been a really very good constructive and positive body that works together as best we can to put the public interest forward,” said Oh.

The budget is supposed to be in place by June first.  But when council has trouble making the deadline, it recesses it’s final meeting in May and completes it once a budget is done.