Cutting Where It Counts

Most were not aware that the Watertown City Council meeting would start in the parking lot.

Department heads from police, public works and water showed off the vehicles they are using, saying that they are in disrepair and need to be replaced.

While the council hasn’t said no to anything as of yet, they are making suggestions.

The Watertown City Council is continuing to look at the city’s budget for where to make necessary cuts to lower the tax levy.

Members of the council say that the more than 5.6 percent tax increase is something that tax payers won’t be able to handle.

All issues are being reviewed, including library fines, proposed new hires and finding ways to save on fuel.

One of the top issues for the council was removed, despite heavy support from the educational community.

A second resource officer will not be added to the Watertown City School District.

The move will save the city $20,000, which would have been the payment to the SRO during the summer months.

Another proposal for cuts include cutting back on police overtime.

Mayor Graham is hoping to cut the budget back to a 3 percent tax increase, meaning that about $118,000 still have to be shaved off.

Watch our 11 p.m. report:

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Comments

One Response to “Cutting Where It Counts”

Stuart Harvey on May 13th, 2008 12:57 pm

In these tough times with cuts being proposed all over the place, it’s good to hear the city council all gave themselves a nice RAISE!!??