COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Cutting back. Saving money.
It's a mantra that's becoming the norm at nearly every corporation and every municipality.
The city of Columbus is no different.
Following weeks of discussions on layoffs, cut-backs and closures, Columbus talked about higher taxes Tuesday night.
The man who's in charge of keeping track of Columbus dollars and cents said he believes the economic crisis is too deep and all options -- no matter how unpopular -- should be considered.
Ana Jackson BROKE DOWN where the budget discussions stand and where the will city go from here.
City Auditor High Dorrain urged council to consider raising income taxes and said he believes it may be the only way to keep providing essential services.
A dramatic decline in income taxes means no revenue for the city.
"It scares me," Dorrain said.
"We have a responsibility to deliver a certain level of services to this community. You heard me say earlier that I don't want to see our community decline, and our services are declining," Dorrain said.
And after the decline of health and recreation services, Dorrian warned safety services, such as police and fire, could be next.
Jackson reported that city income taxes are 2 percent currently. That's $2 for every $100 you earn.
Dorrain suggested raising the tax .05 percent. That would be an extra half-cent on every dollar you earn.
For those who take advantage of city services such as rec centers, the extra change would be worth it.
"Yeah, there's 35 of us here taking advantage of such things. So, why not?" Columbus taxpayer Neil Juliano said.
"I wouldn't mind paying a little more taxes for them to keep the rec centers open," taxpayer Delisa Reed said.
Others argued times are tough and they can't sacrifice any more.
"I think it's a really bad idea. I think people are already in a bad enough fix as it is," taxpayer Ellen Queen said.
"I work hard for my money. I don't want it taken away from me," taxpayer Katie Harman said.
City income taxes were raised last in 1982.
City council wasn't making any decisions yet.
Council members were waiting to hear all of the other ideas from the economic advisory committee.
Of course, if council were to move forward with the income tax, it would have to win the approval of voters.
WHAT'S NEXT?
You can have your opinion heard at 5 p.m. Thursday. Go to council chambers.
City council was set to vote on, and likely approve, the budget proposal next Monday.
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for the latest information in this developing story.
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