By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-862102.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Dallas City Council members have approved a new budget that cuts some services, delays street repairs, raises fees and water rates, and lays-off more than 850 people. KERA's BJ Austin reports.
The largest-ever round of layoffs at Dallas City Hall helped fill a 190 million dollar budget shortfall - along with the program cuts. The budget does NOT raise taxes. But Council member Linda Koop warns about next time.
Koop: I have already begun to talk to my constituents in my Town Hall meetings about what may happen during the next budget session. And I have had conversations with them about a tax increase.
Four council members wanted to raise the tax rate a penny THIS time, but lost that vote.
The Council did find more than two million dollars to restore some cuts to the Park and Recreation department - almost fully funding it. Some hours at libraries and rec centers will still be cut. Several hundred of those with layoff notices may apply for "other" city jobs funded by grants or federal stimulus money. The city will count the number of re-hires today at noon. Additional job fairs are planned for next week.