Comments on: Tax Increases On The Horizon? http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/ Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:34:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Garth Simiskey http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-25871 Garth Simiskey Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:12:02 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-25871 Nice!, discovered your blog on Yahoo!.Happy I finally tried it out. Not sure if its my Chrome browser,but sometimes when I visit your site, the fonts are really small? However, love your webpage and will be back.See Ya Nice!, discovered your blog on Yahoo!.Happy I finally tried it out. Not sure if its my Chrome browser,but sometimes when I visit your site, the fonts are really small? However, love your webpage and will be back.See Ya

]]> By: Mike Barrett http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-24065 Mike Barrett Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:45:00 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-24065 Britt, no need to respond to this. Perhaps you recall that way up near the top of this forum, I agreed that cuts need to be made and increases in revenue considered. The point is, you implied that PPVs should be suspended, even though they produce tax revenue that would not be there is the project had not proceeded, which would have made our current situation worse, not better. Point is, with the Commonwealth set to cut thousands of jobs, and to require localities to do the same, we must act to find better ways to help our citizens prosper. MJB sends! Britt, no need to respond to this. Perhaps you recall that way up near the top of this forum, I agreed that cuts need to be made and increases in revenue considered. The point is, you implied that PPVs should be suspended, even though they produce tax revenue that would not be there is the project had not proceeded, which would have made our current situation worse, not better. Point is, with the Commonwealth set to cut thousands of jobs, and to require localities to do the same, we must act to find better ways to help our citizens prosper. MJB sends!

]]> By: Britt Howard http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-24045 Britt Howard Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:31:14 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-24045 Now we have huge budgetary shortfalls in revenue. THAT is the reality that current elected officials need to deal with. That is what is simple and true. "Wise temporary reductions" is meant for this point in time, not pre-Town Center. Putting new items on hold now, is not the same as then. Our budgetary condition is much different now, Mike. Exposure to commercial assets that finance bonding is much greater now than then. Those "Wise temporary reductions" were meant for not just suspending and reviewing NEW projects, but if necessary, across the board. New spending should be off limits with rare exceptions. (incentives that bring in new high paying jobs) Spore has indeed asked all the departments for cuts, I agree with that. If you don't have the money, you don't have the money. What I don't agree with, and what city workers probably don't agree with, is Spore, Sessoms, and company are STILL looking for new ways to SPEND money and exposing us to more financing while everyone else has to make cuts. On top of cuts, Sessoms wants tax increases which city workers that live in VB, if they can afford to, ALSO have to pay! Sessoms also reccomended new spending projects to be paid for by those taxes. Taxes that represent an increase to the cost of living. Now we have huge budgetary shortfalls in revenue. THAT is the reality that current elected officials need to deal with. That is what is simple and true.

“Wise temporary reductions” is meant for this point in time, not pre-Town Center. Putting new items on hold now, is not the same as then. Our budgetary condition is much different now, Mike. Exposure to commercial assets that finance bonding is much greater now than then. Those “Wise temporary reductions” were meant for not just suspending and reviewing NEW projects, but if necessary, across the board. New spending should be off limits with rare exceptions. (incentives that bring in new high paying jobs)

Spore has indeed asked all the departments for cuts, I agree with that. If you don’t have the money, you don’t have the money. What I don’t agree with, and what city workers probably don’t agree with, is Spore, Sessoms, and company are STILL looking for new ways to SPEND money and exposing us to more financing while everyone else has to make cuts. On top of cuts, Sessoms wants tax increases which city workers that live in VB, if they can afford to, ALSO have to pay! Sessoms also reccomended new spending projects to be paid for by those taxes. Taxes that represent an increase to the cost of living.

]]> By: Mike Barrett http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-24036 Mike Barrett Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:36:45 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-24036 Britt, way too much information. You counseled "wise temporary reductions' yet if others had done that before, our tax rate would be much higher today. My point is that candidates get to use these euphemisms, but elected officials need to deal with reality. If you were in the position, and you cut support for these PPV's that have gererated such positive fiscal returns, you would be making a mistake. It really is that simple. MJB sends! Britt, way too much information. You counseled “wise temporary reductions’ yet if others had done that before, our tax rate would be much higher today. My point is that candidates get to use these euphemisms, but elected officials need to deal with reality. If you were in the position, and you cut support for these PPV’s that have gererated such positive fiscal returns, you would be making a mistake. It really is that simple. MJB sends!

]]> By: Britt Howard http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-24032 Britt Howard Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:46:18 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-24032 Mike, first off, in general terms I am not "against" TIFs. Value capturing financing, although open to abuse and lazy planning/application, can be a useful tool. I am not necessarily against Private/Public Partnerships. Although also open to abuse, it too can be a good thing if done properly. I'm am not an enemy of Towne Center. We have it, its there, I hope it works. I guess you missed my mentioning that urban centers don't have to be enemies of suburbia. You only see my notes of caution and take that as full scale opposition. Secondly, you make political references to yourself and to me. I have not been a Republican for years. I call myself a conservative and at the moment, am a member of the Tidewater Libertarian Party. I'm not therefore limited by a party oath to support someone that my heart does not. I do generally support Republicans. Like many that read this blog, I too have given money, time, and votes to Republicans. Eventhough I'm a horrible third party guy, I have been sent invitations to go to the Inauguration in Richmond for McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli. Kinda like most that visit this blog I suspect. You may indeed be a member of the Republican Party, I don't know. So, is Sessoms and Paul Lanteigne, but we all know about their endorsements of Democrats. We see the Tax and spend policies of Sessoms. Long time readers here know I have never pretended to be the perfect Republican. I certainly hope you intend to offer an accurate representation of yourself as well. Mike, we've had many discussions on VNS. Your party affiliation was never a topic there and your mention of "Now, most democrats don’t understand nor accept that fact, but most republican businessmen absolutely do. So what are you?" .....was a bit uncharacteristic of you. Don't get me wrong. I did anticipate some political change from you. Now that the Obama administration has put out horrible socialistic ideas like Universal Health Care and Cap & Trade, the Chambers of Commerce are no longer on the VIP guest list, I hear. However, instead of labeling Britt and Mike, let's stick to the points of arguement? I have not read the TIF Report you mention. I have not read Beth Allen's contentions. What are my specific concerns? 1. I do strongly suspect that the ease of a TIF lends itself to projects like the bridge to Pembroke Mall. Are you going to tell me that property values will be so increased by that simply existing that the rest of the TIF wouldn't be subsidizing that bridge? That then does cost the taxpayers in lost opportunity. Thank goodness that bridge.....went nowhere. (pun intended) 2. I don't own a home or business near Town Center so, if the district is too widely cast, I'm not "up on that". Somebody living nearby, may feel differently. 3. Sometimes "Value capturing" financing devices capture value that would have been there anyway through inflation or development that already provided profitable incentives to developers WITHOUT city contributions. Incentives are one thing, political paybacks and over subsidizing is another. 4. When I read stories about requests for a change in the city's contribution.......that concerns me. 5. Ok, you built it and you're paying for it. The businesses have to survive or the landlords don't get their rent and the city stands to lose business taxes. Especially hurtful if the buildings can't afford to pay property taxes. There is the issue of a possible looming commercial real estate market crash. Exposure to this kind of debt can be risky in our current economy. We've seen articles about restaurants bemoaning the high rent and that they might be tempted to pursue cheaper options. 6. There was talk of shell games earlier in this thread. If a commercial property market collapse happens, you don't want to imagine the "creative accounting" that will pop up. In that case, the taxpayers and the city workers will "eat it" big time. Is my message anti-development? Anti-Towne Center? Anti-TIF? Anti-Public/Private? No. I see a place for that kind of stuff as well as your more traditional entrepreneurship. I am a Free Market kind of guy. That means I want those option available, but not to the point where it damages unfairly other competitors or the balance of the local economy. Really, I do love Virginia Beach. Yes, Mike. I do want things to be run efficiently. I get the theory about value capturing and increasing the tax base. My point is, if you don't have strong financial reserve, and you have the budget shortfalls that we do: 1)Plowing ahead with additional projects over exposes us to this type of risk in the event of a commercial property collapse. We won't have sufficient reserves. Focus more on what we have and its health. 2)Management and council have enough to worry about at this time without new projects. 3)Yes, I do suggest a temporary suspension and review of new projects where we are not already legally obligated to move forward on. We can always move forward on them later. Maybe even review them for improvements. Mike, first off, in general terms I am not “against” TIFs. Value capturing financing, although open to abuse and lazy planning/application, can be a useful tool. I am not necessarily against Private/Public Partnerships. Although also open to abuse, it too can be a good thing if done properly. I’m am not an enemy of Towne Center. We have it, its there, I hope it works. I guess you missed my mentioning that urban centers don’t have to be enemies of suburbia. You only see my notes of caution and take that as full scale opposition.

Secondly, you make political references to yourself and to me. I have not been a Republican for years. I call myself a conservative and at the moment, am a member of the Tidewater Libertarian Party. I’m not therefore limited by a party oath to support someone that my heart does not. I do generally support Republicans. Like many that read this blog, I too have given money, time, and votes to Republicans. Eventhough I’m a horrible third party guy, I have been sent invitations to go to the Inauguration in Richmond for McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli. Kinda like most that visit this blog I suspect. You may indeed be a member of the Republican Party, I don’t know. So, is Sessoms and Paul Lanteigne, but we all know about their endorsements of Democrats. We see the Tax and spend policies of Sessoms. Long time readers here know I have never pretended to be the perfect Republican. I certainly hope you intend to offer an accurate representation of yourself as well. Mike, we’ve had many discussions on VNS. Your party affiliation was never a topic there and your mention of
“Now, most democrats don’t understand nor accept that fact, but most republican businessmen absolutely do. So what are you?”
…..was a bit uncharacteristic of you.

Don’t get me wrong. I did anticipate some political change from you. Now that the Obama administration has put out horrible socialistic ideas like Universal Health Care and Cap & Trade, the Chambers of Commerce are no longer on the VIP guest list, I hear.

However, instead of labeling Britt and Mike, let’s stick to the points of arguement?

I have not read the TIF Report you mention. I have not read Beth Allen’s contentions.

What are my specific concerns?
1. I do strongly suspect that the ease of a TIF lends itself to projects like the bridge to Pembroke Mall. Are you going to tell me that property values will be so increased by that simply existing that the rest of the TIF wouldn’t be subsidizing that bridge? That then does cost the taxpayers in lost opportunity. Thank goodness that bridge…..went nowhere. (pun intended)

2. I don’t own a home or business near Town Center so, if the district is too widely cast, I’m not “up on that”. Somebody living nearby, may feel differently.
3. Sometimes “Value capturing” financing devices capture value that would have been there anyway through inflation or development that already provided profitable incentives to developers WITHOUT city contributions. Incentives are one thing, political paybacks and over subsidizing is another.
4. When I read stories about requests for a change in the city’s contribution…….that concerns me.
5. Ok, you built it and you’re paying for it. The businesses have to survive or the landlords don’t get their rent and the city stands to lose business taxes. Especially hurtful if the buildings can’t afford to pay property taxes. There is the issue of a possible looming commercial real estate market crash. Exposure to this kind of debt can be risky in our current economy. We’ve seen articles about restaurants bemoaning the high rent and that they might be tempted to pursue cheaper options.
6. There was talk of shell games earlier in this thread. If a commercial property market collapse happens, you don’t want to imagine the “creative accounting” that will pop up. In that case, the taxpayers and the city workers will “eat it” big time.

Is my message anti-development? Anti-Towne Center? Anti-TIF? Anti-Public/Private? No. I see a place for that kind of stuff as well as your more traditional entrepreneurship. I am a Free Market kind of guy. That means I want those option available, but not to the point where it damages unfairly other competitors or the balance of the local economy.

Really, I do love Virginia Beach. Yes, Mike. I do want things to be run efficiently. I get the theory about value capturing and increasing the tax base. My point is, if you don’t have strong financial reserve, and you have the budget shortfalls that we do:
1)Plowing ahead with additional projects over exposes us to this type of risk in the event of a commercial property collapse. We won’t have sufficient reserves. Focus more on what we have and its health.
2)Management and council have enough to worry about at this time without new projects.
3)Yes, I do suggest a temporary suspension and review of new projects where we are not already legally obligated to move forward on. We can always move forward on them later. Maybe even review them for improvements.

]]> By: Mike Barrett http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-24012 Mike Barrett Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:18:13 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-24012 Very odd that you would criticize PPVs when the city has just made its updated report on TIF's. I won't bore you with the lengthly report, just a few conclusions. TIF's have exceeded their projections, they cover their own debt for public infrastructure, the effective growth of property values in TIF districts have exceeded by double the rate of the city overall, and they return millions of dollars to the general fund from the collection of other business taxes. So they don't cost the general taxpayer a dime, they increase the commercial tax base, and they return millions per year to the general fund to keep our taxes low. So again, Britt, as a conservative republican interested in running the municipal corporation effectively, do you recommend that we stop future investment in additonal PPV's that would do the same thing? Very odd that you would criticize PPVs when the city has just made its updated report on TIF’s. I won’t bore you with the lengthly report, just a few conclusions. TIF’s have exceeded their projections, they cover their own debt for public infrastructure, the effective growth of property values in TIF districts have exceeded by double the rate of the city overall, and they return millions of dollars to the general fund from the collection of other business taxes. So they don’t cost the general taxpayer a dime, they increase the commercial tax base, and they return millions per year to the general fund to keep our taxes low. So again, Britt, as a conservative republican interested in running the municipal corporation effectively, do you recommend that we stop future investment in additonal PPV’s that would do the same thing?

]]> By: Britt Howard http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-23987 Britt Howard Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:08:38 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-23987 Mike, the city does not immediatly realize return on investment. Often it is bonded and takes years. In some cases you need TIFs. Now when you say *private investment*, that's certainly different. That, not being tacpayer money, is absolutely is welcome. I'm not sure where you got that as my view. If a little seed money brings a new company here and brings large numbers of high paying jobs and taxes with it, I'm all for using public tax dollars for that purpose even now. Otherwise keep the grubby hands off our tax dollars till you balance the books. As for your discussion of fiscal health with Brian and myself..... How about what Mayor Sessom's says? What about what Whitesell? The Virginian-Pilot © November 18, 2009 (Headline)<b> Beach expects $84M shortfall </b> "It is a lot of money," Mayor Will Sessoms said of the shortfall. "We have long-term structural imbalances in our budget," said Catheryn Whitesell, the city's budget director, as she presented the City Council and School Board with the five-year financial forecast on Tuesday. Kinda indicative of a problem there, Mike. Maybe they should cut some spending and not blow city worker paychecks building new stuff. Virginia Beach will still be here next year. You can always do the extras when you can afford it. Hey, investing in the stock market, especially in a 401k is a smart idea. Now, if you're going broke, its better to cut back your contribution and keep food in your children's bellies. Same logic. Steve, budget......state economy.......you don't see where I draw that conclusion from? Look, when I saw the stock market drop like a rock, I knew capital gains were going be non-existent. When people stopped spending, that meant no sales taxes. Absent 9-11 and resulting world wide economic turmoil, that "budget hole" you spoke of, probably wouldn't have been there. Car tax relief or no car tax relief. Let's be real about what actually happend. Mike, the city does not immediatly realize return on investment. Often it is bonded and takes years. In some cases you need TIFs.

Now when you say *private investment*, that’s certainly different. That, not being tacpayer money, is absolutely is welcome. I’m not sure where you got that as my view.

If a little seed money brings a new company here and brings large numbers of high paying jobs and taxes with it, I’m all for using public tax dollars for that purpose even now. Otherwise keep the grubby hands off our tax dollars till you balance the books.

As for your discussion of fiscal health with Brian and myself….. How about what Mayor Sessom’s says? What about what Whitesell?

The Virginian-Pilot
© November 18, 2009

(Headline) Beach expects $84M shortfall

“It is a lot of money,” Mayor Will Sessoms said of the shortfall.

“We have long-term structural imbalances in our budget,” said Catheryn Whitesell, the city’s budget director, as she presented the City Council and School Board with the five-year financial forecast on Tuesday.

Kinda indicative of a problem there, Mike. Maybe they should cut some spending and not blow city worker paychecks building new stuff. Virginia Beach will still be here next year. You can always do the extras when you can afford it.

Hey, investing in the stock market, especially in a 401k is a smart idea. Now, if you’re going broke, its better to cut back your contribution and keep food in your children’s bellies. Same logic.

Steve, budget……state economy…….you don’t see where I draw that conclusion from? Look, when I saw the stock market drop like a rock, I knew capital gains were going be non-existent. When people stopped spending, that meant no sales taxes. Absent 9-11 and resulting world wide economic turmoil, that “budget hole” you spoke of, probably wouldn’t have been there. Car tax relief or no car tax relief. Let’s be real about what actually happend.

]]> By: Darrell -- Chesapeake http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-23986 Darrell -- Chesapeake Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:58:57 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-23986 After all we have seen the past two years, why would any investor believe the rating agencies? Derivatives were A Number One to them. Mortgage securities were a terrific safe place for our retirement accounts. And Lehman was top of the class, too big to fail. Yet now we are supposed to believe government debt is rated any better than that other junk. Bah! Muni bonds are standing up on the cliff, waiting to follow Commercial Real Estate's free fall. But the real bail out will be all the young people headed out of here because they can't afford the thousands of dollars coming out of their crap wages to pay for the politicians financial follies. After all we have seen the past two years, why would any investor believe the rating agencies? Derivatives were A Number One to them. Mortgage securities were a terrific safe place for our retirement accounts. And Lehman was top of the class, too big to fail. Yet now we are supposed to believe government debt is rated any better than that other junk. Bah! Muni bonds are standing up on the cliff, waiting to follow Commercial Real Estate’s free fall. But the real bail out will be all the young people headed out of here because they can’t afford the thousands of dollars coming out of their crap wages to pay for the politicians financial follies.

]]> By: Brian Kirwin http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-23984 Brian Kirwin Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:35:26 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-23984 "So I think I will accept their view instead of yours." Mike, I have the same feeling whenever you endorse a candidate. “So I think I will accept their view instead of yours.”

Mike, I have the same feeling whenever you endorse a candidate.

]]> By: Steve Vaughan http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-23981 Steve Vaughan Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:35:42 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-23981 Britt, It wasn't an arguement about Gilmore's effect on the economy, it was an arguement about his effect on the budget. Look at the hole the General Assembly was trying to fill that year. Look at the size of the car tax reimbursement program. Hmmmm, they look pretty similar. Absent the car tax relief program there would have been no hole in the budget that year. Britt,
It wasn’t an arguement about Gilmore’s effect on the economy, it was an arguement about his effect on the budget. Look at the hole the General Assembly was trying to fill that year. Look at the size of the car tax reimbursement program. Hmmmm, they look pretty similar. Absent the car tax relief program there would have been no hole in the budget that year.

]]> By: Mike Barrett http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-23976 Mike Barrett Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:20:19 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-23976 Generally Brian, the rating agencies do not put the coveted triple A bond rating on a city's debt that they consider to be over extended. So I think I will accept their view instead of yours. Generally Brian, the rating agencies do not put the coveted triple A bond rating on a city’s debt that they consider to be over extended. So I think I will accept their view instead of yours.

]]> By: Brian Kirwin http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-23972 Brian Kirwin Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:02:26 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-23972 Mike, that's all fine until you overextend your debt. Mike, that’s all fine until you overextend your debt.

]]> By: Mike Barrett http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-23968 Mike Barrett Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:23:30 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-23968 Britt, since just about every developer I know is a republican, and a conservative one at that, I am surprised at your disdain of investments by the private sector that produce jobs, income, and taxes. Fact is, the projects you criticize actually produce tax benefits that increase the commercial tax base and therefore keep our residential tax low. The financing of these projects produces an immediate increase in tax revenue and most cover their own debt service and increase the commercial tax base significantly. Now, most democrats don't understand nor accept that fact, but most republican businessmen absolutely do. So what are you? Britt, since just about every developer I know is a republican, and a conservative one at that, I am surprised at your disdain of investments by the private sector that produce jobs, income, and taxes. Fact is, the projects you criticize actually produce tax benefits that increase the commercial tax base and therefore keep our residential tax low. The financing of these projects produces an immediate increase in tax revenue and most cover their own debt service and increase the commercial tax base significantly. Now, most democrats don’t understand nor accept that fact, but most republican businessmen absolutely do. So what are you?

]]> By: Jason http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-23965 Jason Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:34:08 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-23965 Let's take a lesson from Michigan and California: big, wasteful government always wants more and always delivers less. I hope our new, larger majority in the House of Delegates will hold the line on any new taxes. Let’s take a lesson from Michigan and California: big, wasteful government always wants more and always delivers less.

I hope our new, larger majority in the House of Delegates will hold the line on any new taxes.

]]> By: Britt Howard http://bearingdrift.com/2009/12/14/tax-increases-on-the-horizon/#comment-23962 Britt Howard Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:49:26 +0000 http://bearingdrift.com/?p=10359#comment-23962 Mike, if you don't have the money, you don't have the money. At least this time when council blames it on the state reductions, there will be some arguement. Thing is, they'll try to also cover their own overspending with this convenient fact. Fact is, due to dwindling population, they are actually closing elementary schools for over capacity. Some cuts could surely be made there. How about delaying all the special development projects. The city wants to build along Laskin, Towne Center etc. etc. I'm not saying kill off everything, just fund what is necessary or brings immediate return on investment. Why is council even considering new projects? Unreal. THAT competes with revenue for jobs in teaching,police etc. Spore has asked for budget cuts from all departments with smaller cuts for public safety. Still, he wants new projects? Tell that to the city workers! To answer your question, cut what and where most prudent. You want as little damage as possible. And stop the extra spending for now. Long term thinking is fine when you're not facing immediate negative balance sheets. There were cutting of temporary hires and four hour work week reductions for some permanent staff at my job. Nobody was happy about that but, it had to be done. BTW, that's all been reversed now. Apparently it helps. Public sector isn't immune to bad economies. Fixing the balance sheet should be job #1. That's what prevents long term layoffs, that fiscal sanity some of you deride. Mike, if you don’t have the money, you don’t have the money. At least this time when council blames it on the state reductions, there will be some arguement. Thing is, they’ll try to also cover their own overspending with this convenient fact.

Fact is, due to dwindling population, they are actually closing elementary schools for over capacity. Some cuts could surely be made there. How about delaying all the special development projects. The city wants to build along Laskin, Towne Center etc. etc. I’m not saying kill off everything, just fund what is necessary or brings immediate return on investment. Why is council even considering new projects? Unreal. THAT competes with revenue for jobs in teaching,police etc. Spore has asked for budget cuts from all departments with smaller cuts for public safety. Still, he wants new projects? Tell that to the city workers!

To answer your question, cut what and where most prudent. You want as little damage as possible. And stop the extra spending for now. Long term thinking is fine when you’re not facing immediate negative balance sheets.

There were cutting of temporary hires and four hour work week reductions for some permanent staff at my job. Nobody was happy about that but, it had to be done. BTW, that’s all been reversed now. Apparently it helps.
Public sector isn’t immune to bad economies. Fixing the balance sheet should be job #1. That’s what prevents long term layoffs, that fiscal sanity some of you deride.

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