Big Budget Issues on City Agenda

New Port Richey City Manager John Schneiger has said in his budget messge the government will likely have to do less with less in the upcoming fiscal year. 

On Tuesday, the City Council will consider that idea. Schneiger is asking the city’s elected officials to give direction on what to keep in the annual spending plan and what to cut.

The council now has less than two months to pass the fiscal year 2013 budget, a lean $43 million spending plan. The general fund budget accounts for $17 million of that total $43 million budget.

City officials have proposed slashing 24 positions to balance the budget, about 15 of which would be layoffs.

The city government is confronted with dire financial projections that say its deficit could reach into the double digits over the next five years.

According to city officials, the projected five-year deficit has been reduced from $17 million to $14 million thanks to recent decisions to raise the city’s stormwater and streetlight fees and seek loan restructuring.

But with this year’s proposed budget balanced by ideas to cut employees and services, it means there are tough decisions ahead.

The city'sand  . 

City officials set Aug. 16, as the deadline for to finalize proposed changes to the proposed fiscal year 2013 budget.

The first public hearing, at which anyone can weigh in on cuts or other budget issues, is slated for Sept. 5. The final hearing is set for Sept. 26

Want to know what’s on the chopping block? Brush up on the issues at hand wiith Patch’s coverage, then go to the council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 7. The meeting starts at 7 p.m., although the ask for budget direction is the last thing on the agenda. Also on the agenda is the proposal for the city to take  

See Also: