Budget Worries Confirmed

Yesterday’s City Council study session revealed a less than rosy picture of Tacoma’s financial situation. As The News Tribune reported Monday, rumors were already circulating that something like this was looming on the horizon, but having it confirmed still hurts. From a City press release:

The General Fund budget, which pays for basic services such as police, fire, libraries and residential street repairs, will require a new budget strategy to address the shortfall. With a stagnant local economy and rising costs, the City cannot work to close this gap without impacting all General Fund service areas, and the solution to the budget challenge will likely require staff reductions.

There are a lot of tough decisions ahead of us as a city, and we certainly don’t envy the position in which the City Council and staff find themselves. Where do we begin?

For more details, and to see the budget workshop calendar read the release in its entirety.