COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The City of Columbus is already facing a multi-million dollar budget shortfall, but another $13 million will need to be added to the final tally.
The city was facing a nearly $83 million budget shortfall, but the city auditor announced the rising unemployment and declining in interest rates puts the City of Columbus in an even deeper hole, putting their total financial cuts at just less than $96 million.
The closure of 12 recreation centers and 130 layoffs were already announced before the latest cuts.
City leaders said that 2008 income tax revenue fell $2 million below already diminished expectations. Earnings from investment interest netted the city $8 million less than the $17 million forecast and funding cuts from local counties and the state government cost the city more than $3 million.
So where does Columbus go to find another $13 million to cut?
Mayor Michael Coleman's spokesman Dan Williamson said that all options are on the table, including cuts to public safety. But, Williamson said, the cuts will be spread over many areas -- not just one.
Coleman and city council plan to come up with a balanced budget by mid-February. While the possibility of new taxes remains in the future, there's not enough time to implement and collect such a tax to make up the $13 million shortfall.
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement