Proposed property tax hike worries some council members

The clock is ticking on the city’s budget problems. On Thursday Mayor Nutter presents his budget address to City Council. He’s already being criticized for suggesting earlier this week that a temporary increase in the city’s property tax could help preserve fire and police funds.

The clock is ticking on the city’s budget problems. On Thursday Mayor Nutter presents his budget address to City Council. He’s already being criticized for suggesting earlier this week that a temporary increase in the city’s property tax could help preserve fire and police funds.

Transcript:
Mayor Nutter has said everything is on the table during the budget process. But with his address fast approaching, some decisions have to be made.  Mayor Nutter says he’ll call to increase the property tax in the Fiscal Year starting in July by about 19 percent over the 2009 rate, and by 14.5 percent over the 2009 rate in Fiscal Year 2011.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell says right now she’s not throwing her weight behind the tax hike.

Blackwell: “At this point we need to hear a lot but my people are still telling me they don’t want it. People are frightened. I know all the needs, I know all the issues. We’re still frightened about all of these taxes.”

Council President Anna Verna says she wants to see if it’s possible to increase property taxes by a lower number and get the money elsewhere.

(Bonus cut, not in original audio)
Verna: “I haven’t really polled any of my colleagues. It’s really a bad time. I think once we get into the budget we’ll be able to make a better determination.”

Listen:
Click on the play button below or right click on this link and choose “Save Link As” to download. [audio: reports20090318nutterbudget.mp3]