City budget hearings generally happen in the spring.
But, facing a possible property tax hike for city schools, the City Council will begin special budget hearings Thursday, December 17th.
After being presented with four options to cover a $54 million settlement for the city schools — including a 45 cent tax increase — council members opted to look for cuts first.
“In June of last year, we had these exact same conversations. I think we made the wrong choice back in June when we gave a 3 percent raise, when we didn’t cut travel budgets or eliminate vacant positions,” said Council member Jim Strickland.
