It's budget season, which means all city departments are busy looking at ways to get the best value for every dollar. My administration will present a 2011 budget to the Assembly on Oct. 1, and given the challenges we face this year, spirited community debate is certain to follow. As always, send any feedback to me at mayor@muni.org, or follow me on facebook or twitter.

Recently my administration and I provided a report to the Assembly of preliminary 2011 revenue estimates, as well as tax limit calculations.
 
The cost to continue current services is estimated at $448 million next year, which creates a $25 million gap between expected revenues with no increases in property taxes. If the Municipality were to "tax to the cap" (which would mean an 8 percent increase in property taxes) there still would be a $8.5 million shortfall.
City department leadership is working diligently on the 2011 budget, though no formal decisions have been reached. My administration and I will present a proposed budget to the Assembly on Oct. 1.
 
Last year I stated that that we would embark on a two-year plan to return us to fiscal sustainability. This year's budget will again require difficult choices about what services to provide and at what level. Unfortunately, revenues are unable to keep pace with the increased contractual costs of running the city.  READ MORE