Three Republican City Council members say existing money – even Legacy funds – should be used to fill budget gaps before property taxes are increased.
Councilmen John Crawford, R-at large, Mitch Harper, R-4th, and Russ Jehl, R-2nd, held a news conference Wednesday to voice their support for spending down existing fund balances rather than increasing taxes. Included in the money they said could be spent is the Legacy Fund – $75 million from the lease and sale of the City Light & Power utility.
The city administration is scheduled to present its proposed 2013 budget to the council at the end of this month; it is expected to have a $3 million to $6 million shortfall. The three councilmen did not propose any cuts but said that in general, discretionary spending should be trimmed.
