Councilmembers call Mayor’s budget cuts unnecessary

Members of City Council surveyed say the budget debate is over and now Mayor Michael Nutter has to deal with the budget they approved.

Library supporters are still fighting against proposed cuts that would close the facilities one day a week. There are still differing opinions about whether or not the cuts are necessary.

Members of City Council surveyed say the budget debate is over and now Mayor Michael Nutter has to deal with the budget they approved.

Councilman Jim Kenney says there is no need for the library cuts.

“I think that the budget that we passed has a sufficient fund balance to pay for the services that were in the budget,” says Kenney. “The mayor contends there is not. So it’s the mayor’s decision to shut these facilities down and lay people off.”

Councilman Frank DiCicco says he doesn’t see any more taxes being passed to raise revenues.

“We’ve been down this road a couple of times in the past,” says DiCicco, “and we’ve always been able to work it out. I’m hopeful that we can work something out this time as well.”

Councilman Frank Rizzo also says he won’t support any more taxes.

“I think the citizens of this city have sacrificed enough,” says Rizzo. “The economy’s tough and I don’t think there’s any value in raising any taxes. I was not in favor of any increase in real estate taxes, I was not in favor of any soda tax. So I hope that’s dead.”

Library supporters plan to rally at Thursday’s Council meeting to protest the cuts.