Budget address looming, Mayor Nutter gives previews of choices

By: Tom MacDonald

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter makes his budget address to City Council this week. Much of the address will focus on the pain necessary to bridge a big budget deficit.

By: Tom MacDonald
tmacdonald@whyy.org

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter makes his budget address to City Council this week. Much of the address will focus on the pain necessary to bridge a big budget deficit.

Transcript:
Mayor Nutter has revealed some of his budget options in the past several days as he prepares for his speech to Council. He will need to balance the $170 million deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Nutter: “We are going to have to find additional efficiencies, unfortunately we will have to reduce some of our many services. I heard the citizens very clearly that they care very passionately about many of the services. I’m very mindful about the potential impact on children, young people, those vulnerable populations here in our city.”

The mayor says it’s impossible to cut enough to offset the budget gap.

Nutter: “Some amount of fees or taxes will certainly have to be increased.”

A temporary increase in the sales tax and property tax are being considered as a way to raise money. Each of these would end in the next few years. The sales tax increase would need state approval. The mayor’s budget address is Thursday.

Listen:
Click on the play button below or right click on this link and choose “Save Link As” to download. [audio: reports20090316budgetprev.mp3]