Report recommends San Diego raise fees, privatize (Nov. 30, 2010)
A
citizen's commission recommends the city outsource the landfill and
privatize the airport and several public golf courses while raising fees
for businesses.
Alaska budget forecast shows a $5 billion annual surplus (Nov. 30, 2010)While
most states continue to feel the effects of the economic crash,
Alaska's budget is improving fast thanks to rising crude oil prices.
Obama proposes two-year pay freeze for federal workers (Nov. 30, 2010)The federal government will save $2 billion by capping pay for 1.9 million civilian workers.
State budget crisis hits state police civilian employees (Nov. 30, 2010)New York State police expect to cut about 90 non-uniformed positions.
Police Layoffs on Table in Chula Vista Budget Crisis (Nov. 29, 2010)The Southern California town may be forced to lay off up to 20 percent of its officers.
Gregoire gets tougher on cuts as Washington budget crisis grows (Nov. 29, 2010)Washington's
governor is facing a deficit of $5.7 billion - and growing - forcing
her to take a hard line, including asking unions for concessions.
Budget Puts Charleston Mounted Unit in Jeopardy (Nov. 29, 2010)The picturesque South Carolina city is thinking of eliminating its mounted police corps.
Flint police officers will not get layoff notices this week (Nov. 29, 2010)The mayor of the Michigan city says officers and firefighters will not be among the 50 city workers to be laid off this week.
State pols spent $9M in taxpayer money on constituent mailings despite budget deficit (Nov. 29, 2010)New York legislators continue to spend taxpayer money freely on mailings to their constituents.
Paterson confirms park’s closure as part of cut (Nov. 29, 2010)New York's governor is closing state parks and laying off park employees.
DC considers budget cuts to fire-EMS services (Nov. 24, 2010)Facing a $345 million budget gap, city officials say cuts to public safety agencies are "unavoidable."
Child services program over budget by 70 percent (Nov. 24, 2010)The
Maine program has a budget of nearly $15 million, but it is asking for
an additional $13 million to make it through the year.
Welcome to S.C., open 3 days a week (Nov. 24, 2010)South
Carolina is considering closing a $1 billion budget hole with a flurry
of small cuts, including shutting down the welcome centers on the
highways four days a week.
JATRAN cuts proposed by mayor (Nov. 23, 2010)The
mayor of Jackson, Mississippi is proposing to lay off a quarter of the
city's transit workers to pay for benefit and salary hikes ordered by an
arbitration panel last month.
Judge may bar sale of 24 California buildings (Nov. 23, 2010)A
court is considering whether to block a plan to sell state-owned
buildings to raise more than $1 billion, saying the governor may not
have the sole authority to order the sale.
Butler County Deputies Seek Sales Tax Hike (Nov. 23, 2010)Sheriff's deputies are pushing for a sales tax increase in their Ohio county to forestall cuts to their budget.
Boycotts over immigration law cost Arizona millions (Nov. 22, 2010)The
backlash over the law allowing police to check immigration status has
cost the state at least $250 million, a new report finds.
Georgia bankrolls half of unemployment benefits with fed loans (Nov. 22, 2010)The state owes the federal government $454 million because of the loan.
Gregoire asks unions to the bargaining table to help with state budget crisis (Nov. 22, 2010)Washington's governor is asking 25 public unions to reopen negotiations to solve the state's budget problems.
Aurora hiring cops, cutting other services (Nov. 22, 2010)A
17-year-old ballot measure is forcing the Colorado city to hire more
cops even while crime rates fall and other services are slashed.
Mt. Clemens begs for cash; Nonprofits are asked to help (Nov. 19, 2010)In a total inversion of the usual way things work, the mayor of this Michigan town is asking non-profits to donate money to
help balance the government's budget.
City wants to tax medical marijuana; but will it cure city's budget crisis? (Nov. 19, 2010)Leaders of Tucson say a 2 percent sales tax on medical pot would raise lots of money.
Lebanon unions agree to wage freeze (Nov. 19,2010)The Pennsylvania town will save $152,000 under the plan hammered out with the public employee unions.
King Co. Sheriff's deputies complain, 'We want to vote' (Nov. 18 2010)Some officers complain that their union leaders are blocking a vote on wage concessions that could head off layoffs.
Government made $125 billion in improper payments last year (Nov. 18, 2010)Mistaken
or inappropriate payments to contractors and benefit recipients climbed
by $15 billion last year in part due to the increasing strain on
government programs in hard economic times.
Report says Florida's state pension fund has recovered from recession (Nov. 18, 2010)The fund gained a healthy $9.8 billion in value last year.
State auditor raises alarm over dental spending under Medicaid (Nov. 18, 2010)Massachusetts may be paying millions in unnecessary or fraudulent claims.
Empire State Games canceled for 2011 (Nov. 18, 2010)The
annual athletic competition, a fixture of the summer for three decades,
is falling victim to New York state's financial woes.
Lawmakers hobnob in Hawaii during budget crisis (Nov. 18, 2010)Just
as the governor calls for a special session to deal with California's
staggering budget deficit, two dozen lawmakers fly to a luxury resort on
Maui for a conference paid for by an industry-funded non-profit.
Excess spending the cause of 'crisis' (Nov. 17, 2010)An
advisory panel finds that excess spending, not a lack of revenue, is
what landed the Virginia town of Front Royal in financial trouble.
Legislative analysts say Rell's office understates budget crisis (Nov. 17, 2010)Connecticut's
budget deficit is at least $350 million worse than the outgoing
governor says, according to state financial analysts.
Washington tries lockdowns in face of budget crisis (Nov. 17, 2010)The
state prison system is trying to save money by making guards take
unpaid time off, but that means prisoners must be locked down to
maintain security.
Report: NH full economic recovery by early 2012 (Nov. 17, 2010)New Hampshire has already regained half the jobs it lost in the financial meltdown of 2008.
Maricopa County looks at $10 million legal defense of Joe Arpaio, Andrew Thomas (Nov. 17, 2010)Supervisors
in the Arizona county are considering whether taxpayers should shoulder
the bill for defending the eccentric sheriff against a series of
lawsuits by public officials he investigated.
Changes for New York State Museum (Nov. 17, 2010)The 30-year-old museum will lay off staff and, for the first time in its history, close one day a week.
Texas schools no longer shielded from state budget cuts (Nov. 17, 2010)School systems brace for a $3-5 billion cut as lawmakers tackle a $24 billion budget hole.
Portland police end hiring freeze (Nov. 16, 2010)An unexpected improvement in city revenue means Portland can fill at least 22 positions open because of a wave of retirements.
Loss of red-light revenue adds to grim outlook (Nov. 16, 2010)A ballot referendum that canned Houston's red light camera system will cost the city $10 million in lost fines.
Data Center Consolidation Could Cut Federal IT Spending by a Third (Nov. 16, 2010)Streamlined data storage across agencies could save more than $14.6 billion annually.
State projects will drive funding for high-speed rail (Nov. 16, 2010)The
federal government says that if states reject high-speed rail lines,
which critics say cost too much money, then Washington will simply
direct the money to states that want it.
Erie County Council set to approve 2011 county budget; could make additional job cuts (Nov. 16, 2010)Pennsylvania's Erie County eyes cuts, wage freezes, and reduced library hours,
SC Gov-elect Haley taps panel for $1B budget fix (Nov. 16, 2010)The
state's next governor is asking a panel of veteran lawmakers and policy
analysts for ideas she can use to plug a deficit that represents 20
percent of the entire budget next year.
Future Of Ohio Food Banks A Concern In Budget Crisis (Nov. 16, 2010)A new report says hunger is increasing in Ohio, but state budget cuts are limiting what relief agencies can provide.
State officials compile list of state assets (Nov. 15, 2010)Kansas lawmakers ask for a list of state assets so they can consider which to sell.
Editorial: Missouri’s plan to shuffle mental patients to KC is latest evidence of neglect (Nov. 15, 2010)The Kansas City Star criticizes cost savings moves, saying they will severely hurt the mentally ill.
Lawmakers brainstorm ways to pay health insurance for the poor (Nov. 15, 2010)South Carolina lawmakers are worried about how to meet $228 million in extra costs in Medicaid.
Elected Officials' Generous Public Pension Benefits (Nov. 15, 2010)Even
as the state pension system staggers under the weight of the bad
economy, Arizona's elected officials are getting ever-more-generous
benefits.
S. L. County unloading some neighborhood parks (Nov. 15, 2010)Salt Lake County is trying to save costs by giving parks to cities and towns that want them,
After delays, Dallas County judges want to abandon switch to digital court files (Nov. 15, 2010)Paperless efficiency isn't all its cracked up to be, judges say, leading them to demand a return to paper case files.
Postal Service reports $8.5 billion loss (Nov. 15, 2010)The U.S. Postal Service will run out of money in 2011 if Congress doesn't help, officials say.
Code enforcement: iPhone app for enviro monitoring (Nov. 12, 2010)Cash
strapped California is asking the public for help monitoring the
condition of the state's waterways, using a new iPhone app.
Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs asks for raise for director (Nov. 12, 2010)The
head of the agency says he needs a raise, but only to help his
employees, since agency workers are paid based on a percentage of the
director's pay.
State GOP staffers raking in six-figure salaries (Nov. 12, 2010)Even
as Florida's newly-elected governor is facing layoffs of state workers,
the new legislative leadership is having out an unusual number of
$100,000+ salaries to workers.
Government's Best Savers Really Like To Economize (Nov. 11, 2010)The federal government is holding a contest to pick the best idea from a federal employee on how to save money. The public is
voting now on the top four ideas.
Republicans Promise Major Budget Cuts (Nov. 11, 2010)Ohio's new legislative GOP majority promises decisive cuts to close an $8 billion budget hole.
City leaders to take time on budget gap option ‘menu’ (Nov. 11, 2010)San Diego leaders puzzle over how to close a $70 million deficit now that voters turned down a sales tax increase.
California budget shortfall twice as large as predicted (Nov. 11, 2010)Just
a month after a grueling budget battle ended, California officials got
more bad news - next year's deficit may top $25 billion.
N.H. Supreme Court rejects city tax cap (Nov. 11, 2010)The
state's High Court said voters in the city of Manchester and other
towns and counties don't have the legal power to cap taxing and spending
without state permission.
IBM to Offer Free Consulting to 100 Cities Worldwide (Nov. 11, 2010)The
computer company plans to offer up to $50 million in free consulting to
help cities save money and boost efficiency through technology.
More federal workers' pay tops $150,000 (Nov. 10, 2010)The
number of highly-paid federal workers has increased 10-fold in five
years, doubling just in the first two year sof the Obama Administration.
Student employees might not get enrollment fee waivers (Nov. 10, 2010)Budget cuts threatened a cherished perk for students employees in the Cal State system.
South Carolina health plan in trouble (Nov. 10, 2010)A $228 million deficit is threatening Medicaid coverage for 820,000 state residents.
Doyle says canceling rail line will cost $100 million, cut 400 jobs (Nov. 10, 2010)Wisconsin's outgoing governor says canceling a $1 billion rail line would cost more than it would save in the long run.
Phoenix eliminates 546 vacant job posts (Nov. 10, 2010)The
cuts bring the city to its lowest per-capita workforce in 40 years, but
critics say job losses hit police and firefighters too hard.
New Budget Crisis: PTO Collects $1 Million Per Day it Can’t Use (Nov. 10, 2010)The
federal Patent and Trademark Office has an unusual budget problem - it
has plenty of money but no legal authority to spend it since Congress
recessed without approving its latest budget.
Budget cuts for Neighborhood Prosecutor Program (Nov. 10, 2010)The
nationally-known program to prosecute small quality of life problems in
troubled Los Angeles neighborhoods is under threat from California's
continued budget problems.
Pierce County pay raises: They’re complicated (Nov. 10, 2010)As
the economy and government revenue fell over the last five years,
workers in this Washington county saw raises totaling 23 percent
UNC system dealing with money issues (Nov. 5, 2010)North Carolina's public universities are bracing for cuts of around 10 percent and the loss of 1,700 jobs.
Budget crisis could mean cuts to ferry service (Nov. 5, 2010)Getting
around by water on Washington State's long coast may be more difficult
in the face of $17 million in cuts to ferry service.
Illinois Budget Crisis: State Senate Debates $4 Billion Borrowing Package (Nov. 5, 2010)Lawmakers
debate a huge borrowing program to keep the sagging pension system
solvent in the short term; the plan doesn't address long-term problems.
Police, fire cuts loom in Chillicothe after tax increase fails (Nov. 4, 2010)Voters
in this Ohio city strongly rejected a 25 percent income tax increase
and city officials are warning of cuts to emergency services.
Florida to drop 350 patients in AIDS drug program (Nov. 3, 2010)Budget cuts limit the federally-funded program and could threaten the remaining 2,000 patients.
Antioch sales tax measure fails (Nov. 3, 2010)officials
in the California city are scrambling to fill a $4.5 million budget
hole after voters turn down a half-cent sales tax hike.
State to get $10 to expand Medi-Cal's net (Nov. 3, 2010)Cash-strapped California will get federal money for a five-year expansion of the health care program for the poor.
More tuition hikes sought for state universities (Nov. 1, 2010)Leaders
of the California State University system are recommending a 15.5
percent tuition hike that would begin phasing in this school year.
Judge delays elimination of state child-care program (Nov. 1, 2010)A California judge has delayed the elimination of a childcare program for poor families which had been cut to save $256 million.
North Carolina Integrating Data on Criminal Offenders Into Single System (Nov. 1, 2010)A new centralized database for tracking criminal suspects will help state agencies far beyond just police and courts.
Proud Students creates budget cut film, invites student input (Oct. 29, 2010)Students
at the embattled Louisiana State University System have created a
documentary film explaining the severe cuts the system has endured.
Crisis Impacts Street Services (Oct. 29, 2010)Los
Angeles has lost 349 of its 1,155 streets workers in recent years,
leading to slower and less complete maintenance of the city's sprawling
web of roads.
Council enacts furlough plan in face of budget crisis (Oct. 29, 2010)Patterson,
New Jersey is requiring all non-emergency workers to take 10 days of
unpaid leave as part of a plan to close a $76 million budget hole.
Union sues Community College after dispute over arbitration (Oct. 29, 2010)Workers
say Wayne County Coummunity College in Michigan has failed to implement
orders from labor arbitration boards, but the college worries that the
union suit could wreck its already dire financial situation.
ALL CAPS? Not OK on road signs, federal government says (Oct. 25, 2010)At
a time when states and cities are sagging under the financial crisis,
the federal Highway Administration is requiring the replacement of
millions of street signs with more visible lettering and reflective
coatings.
MTA looks to raise alcohol, beverage prices (Oct. 25, 2010)The
transit agency is considering hiking tolls and prices for refreshing
cocktails sold to home-bound commuters on certain long-range rail lines.
Psychiatric Clinic Closes (Oct. 25, 2010)El Paso had to shutter a brand new psychiatric center after only a year to save $376,000.
Arizona budget cuts impair police response (Oct. 25, 2010)The
State Police air unit is responding to only half the calls it did a
year ago and the patrol and investigative divisions have lost more than
120 positions.
Fewer cops, more bars worry many (Oct. 25, 2010)At
a time when Royal Oak, Michigan is laying off police officers, there
are proposals for four large new drinking establishments downtown,
raising questions about whether public order may be at risk.
New York State Comptroller Plans Audit of Office for Technology Procurements (Oct. 25, 2010)The
state's financial watchdog says a proposed $7.5 billion contract was
wildly inflated and he worries that the office is doing a poor job
saving taxpayers money.
Post office still seeking rate hike for 2011 (Oct. 25, 2010)Mail
volume continues to drop and postal officials say they need at least 46
cents per letter to stay afloat (it's 44 cents now).
Feds step in to keep Yosemite medical clinic open (Oct. 25, 2010)Budget
problems almost closed the only medical facility for visitors and
residents in the rugged and remote hiking national park.
$35 million in cuts, including 109 jobs, recommended for LSU system (Oct. 22, 2010)The Louisiana State University system is facing major cuts.
Unions sue Ficano over cuts (Oct. 22, 2010)Workers
in Wayne County, Michigan say the county executive acted in bad faith
by cutting jobs and benefits in the midst of contract negotiations.
APS justifies expense to send administrators to conference (Oct. 22, 2010)Cash-strapped Albequerque schools paid $20,000 to send administrators to a conference in Tampa (video report)
CARTA approves difficult changes (Oct. 21, 2010)The Charleston, S.C. transit agency had cut routes and raised fares 16 percent in the face of a $1.3 million deficit.
Budget Analyst Predicts $20 Billion Deficit in Unemployment Fund (Oct. 21, 2010)California is running out of money to pay unemployment benefits.
Arizona residents enrolled on AHCCCS lose preventive care (Oct. 21, 2010)Budget cuts end a preventative care program for poor residents.
Emergency state takeover not the answer to Flint's budget deficit, mayor says (Oct. 20, 2010)The
mayor of Flint, Michigan is trying to avoid a state takeover in the
face of staggering debts and a budget hole of at least $5 million.
$1.36 billion in state road projects backed (Oct. 20, 2010)As
candidates for Wisconsin's governor promise not to raid the
transportation fund to balance the budet, a state panel recommends a
series of new projects.
Superintendent's salary increase raises questions (Oct. 20, 2010)Residents
of Livonia, Michigan wonder how the school system found an extra
$61,000 to hike the superintendent's pay to $195,000, a 45 percent hike.
City seeks Pa. study of firefighting direction (Oct. 20, 2010)Philadelphia wants a state agency to conduct an impartial study of service and funding levels for the fire department.
After massive cuts, higher ed funding rises in new California budget (Oct. 20, 2010)Despite
apocalyptic predictions, and after years of severe cuts, California's
newly-passed budget actually increases higher education spending.
Bus drivers union, Montebello work for stalemate resolution (Oct. 19, 2010)The
California city, facing a $4 million deficit, is struggling to work out
a contract with bus drivers, worried about a proposed 10 percent pay
cut.
Upcoming year could be worse for state's budget crisis (Oct. 19, 2010)Months
before the deadline, Mississippi lawmakers are already wrangling over
what could be a $1.2 billion gap in next year's budget.
The deficit Texas didn't see coming (Oct. 18, 2010)Despite
a relatively robust economy, Texas is facing a budget gap of up to $21
billion over two years - a quarter of the discretionary spending the
state legislature controls.
Libraries, trimmed again, won’t close (Oct. 18, 2010)The
only good news for Buffalo's libraries is they won't close. Everything
else is on the table to close a $7 million budget shortfall.
Nevada candidate's plan for $25 pass to drive 90 mph (Oct. 18, 2010)A
longshot gubernatorial candidate is suggesting that drivers be allowed
to meet a higher speed limit - by paying a fee that could generate $1
billion for the state.
Budget cuts reduce enrollment at Capital Area Career Center (Oct. 15, 2010)The Milwaukee-area job training center says schools can no longer afford to send students to its classes.
No-interest loans to aid homeowners (Oct. 15, 2010)Washington is sending $3.9 billion to Alaskans in danger of foreclosure.
Budget crisis closes schools until further notice (Oct. 15, 2010)The Maury County, Tennessee school board closed schools rather than cut its budget, as county commissioners demanded.
Multnomah County becomes first in Oregon to ban bottled water from functions (Oct. 15, 2010)Not only is it good for the environment, the county says it will save up to $30,000 per year.
NATO backs deep cuts in shadow of budget crisis (Oct. 14, 2010)Even
the mighty military alliance is feeling the money pinch, as member
countries vote to reduce the budget for administration and command to
focus spending on projects like missile defense.
Arizona schools to receive more federal aid to improve (Oct. 14, 2010)The state get's almost $100 million in federal aid for various projects.
Newark police recruits to be laid off as part of budget crisis (Oct. 13, 2010)Faces with an $83 million deficit, the city will lay off 165 of 184 recent police recruits.
Alderman wants to consider charging hospitals, churches for water (Oct. 13, 2010)A
Chicago lawmaker says the city can no longer afford the $300 million
cost of giving away water to public and charitable institutions.
Hennepin Board votes to freeze its pay 2 more years (Oct. 13, 2010)County
commissioners in Minnesota vote to freeze their pay just a week after
all agreeing to return 20 hours-worth of pay to the county treasury.
Jersey City Library Announces 26 Furlough Days (Oct. 13, 2010)Employees will lose nearly a month of pay next year.
Amid budget crisis, state balks at limiting checkpoint impounds (Oct. 12, 2010)Citing
concerns about corruption and abuse of power, California lawmakers look
for ways to limit the power of police to impound the cars of unlicensed
drivers, a practice cities have been using to balance their budgets (to
the tune of $40 million in fines and fees collected last year).
California seals deal to sell 11 state properties (Oct. 12, 2010)The
state will raise $2.3 billion by selling office buildings to private
investors and leasing them back for 20 years though critics say the
cost may be more in the long run.
Proposals would extend city parking meter enforcement (Oct. 12, 2010)A
week after substantially hiking rates and fines, parking officials in
Reading, PA are considering extending the metered hours by two hours,
from 6 pm to 8 pm, to help raise nearly $1 million per year.
California Budget Wins Approval (Oct. 11, 2010)After
a 100-day political stalemate which saw state agencies and contractors
struggling to keep the doors open and the lights on, the California
legislature finally passed a budget that imposes steep cuts to close a
$19 billion budget hole.
Public information office could be victim of Boulder City budget woes (Oct. 11, 2010)The
public information office and the Nevada city's public-access cable
channel are on the chopping block as the mayor prepares for a second
major round of budget cutting.
Tighter budgets mean teachers are getting crafty (Oct. 11, 2010)Teachers spent an estimated $1.3 billion in the own money for supplies last school year.
Officials talk about possible marriage between fire departments (Oct. 11, 2010)Tight times mean two adjacent fire districts in Humboldt County, California may be forced to merge.
Budget cuts force Dallas to retire police chopper (Oct. 10, 2010)The
city's state-of-the-art police chopper, capable of carrying a fully
equipped SWAT team, turned out to be too expensive to keep and must be
sold after just three years.
UC students, employees protest school funding woes (Oct. 10, 2010)Staff
and student stake to the streets to protest a plan to cut $637 million
from the University of California system, on top of $800 cut last year.
Warren, city workers agree to cuts (Oct. 10, 2010)Employees in this Michigan city agreed to a 5 percent pay cut to help close a $9 million budget gap.
New Mexico’s IT Department to Save $3.5 Million on Renegotiated Technology Contracts (Oct. 10, 2010)The savings will ripple through the whole state budget by allowing the IT department to charge state agencies less for services.
Cape budget crisis has some second-guessing city council raises (Oct. 7, 2010)With
the Florida city of Cape Coral facing employee pay cuts and furloughs,
some residents wonder why City Council is debating giving itself a
raise.
Fiscal Woes Deepening for Cities, Report Says (Oct. 7, 2010)Cities are in the worst financial shape in 25 years, according to a new study by the national League of Cities.
Inefficient Government Rules and Regulations (Oct. 7, 2010)Governing
Magazine contributor John O'Leary outlines how well-intentioned
regulations can raise costs stifle innovation unnecessarily.
Phoenix Fire Department asks feds for $6.8 million (Oct. 7, 2010)A
hiring freeze threatens to hurt response times for emergency workers,
so fire officials are appealing for help from Washington.
Federal mortgage relief program to bring $106 million to Pa. homeowners (Oct. 6, 2010)Pennsylvania will get more than 10 percent of the fund set aside nationally.
Tennessee state workers to ask for 7 percent raise (Oct. 6, 2010)State workers say they are suffering because of a three-year wage freeze.
State workers triumph in suit (Oct. 6, 2010)Michigan's governor violated the law in revoking a promised 3 percent pay hike, a judge has ruled.
Tax defeat causes budget crisis (Oct. 6, 2010)Voters
in Louisiana's St. Landry Parish rejected a tax to fund the jail,
leaving officials scrambling to find an extra $430,000 per year.
Will Prop 24 Move Hollywood To Las Vegas? (Oct. 6, 2010)A
ballot measure to repeal a California tax credit for entertainment
companies has the movie industry threatening to find a more
business-friendly place to film.
Albany Grabs Another $16.7 Million From MTA (Oct. 6, 2010)New York's state legislature looks to transportation funds to make up for lower-than-expected medical funding from Washington.
Atlantic City agrees to state fiscal oversight in return for help with city budget crisis (Oct. 6, 2010)The New Jersey state government will pay off $9.5 million in red ink in return for greater control of city finances.
C
ity Coffers Owed More Than $540 Million (Oct. 5, 2010)Los
Angeles has failed to collect $540 million in various feeds and taxes
it is owed, more than enough to solve its $500 million budget deficit.
Judge: Trust-land proceeds can't be used to run agency (Oct. 5, 2010)Using
money from land sales in Arizona must be sent to schools and not
diverted for other purposes, a judge rules, opening a $10 million hole
in the state budget.
King County deputy jobs could be saved by foregoing raises (Oct. 5, 2010)County officials say they could avoid laying off 28 officers if the union that represents them would agree to paycuts.
Fresno County cuts polling sites in half (Oct. 4, 2010)As
California reels under a vast budget crisis, and an endless political
stalemate over how to respond, Fresno County is cutting its polling
places from 469 to 205, saving $165,000 on pollworker pay alone.
Calif. budget crisis spawns 3 ballot questions (Oct. 4, 2010)California's
complex and arcane rules for passing a state budget and financing
cities and counties have led to political paralysis; activists are
pushing constitutional changes, including a proposal to allow the
legislature to pass a budget by simple majority instead of a two-thirds
vote.
Albuquerque bracing for possible teacher layoffs (Oct. 4, 2010)The schools will face a $52 million cut and officials say that probably means layoffs in the classroom (video link).
N.J. firm to take over Mississippi city's service (Oct. 4, 2010)The
State's High Court said the city of Clarion should have given a
contract to privatize the sewer system to a New Jersey company that was
the low bidder.
Iowa records big budget surplus (Oct. 4, 2010)State
officials say the state turns out to be $336 million in the black after
all, on top of $416 million sitting safely in various reserve accounts.
Watchdog Report: TN has spent $450K to fix software flaws (Oct. 4, 2010)An
$135 million effort to streamline Tennessee's financial system has gone
poorly, costing the state neatly a half a million dollars to sort out
accounting problems.
Federal workers to pay more for health care (Oct. 4, 2010)Federal
employees will pay an extra 7 percent into their health care system
next year at the same time their pay will go up just 1.4 percent.
2010 Leaf Pickup May Come Down (Oct. 1, 2010)Just
as fall arrives, the town of East Hampton, New York is considering
eliminating its street-side leaf pickup service to close a budget gap.
DC schools face new budget shortfall; Rhee calls it 'premature' (Oct. 1, 2010)Cost overruns in the special education budget means DC schools are facing a $30 million shortfall.
Troubled W. Pa. city lays off 9, plus police dog (Oct. 1, 2010)The tiny town is laying off nine of its 47 employees, including three cops - and the department's one police dog.
Oregon to close prison, lay off 63 workers in $2.5 million budget cut (Oct. 1, 2010)This
is the first time the state has closed a prison as a budget move. The
120 prisoners will be relocated and many will lose drug and alcohol
treatment services.
Houston getting $10M to hire 50 more police (Oct. 1, 2010)A
federal grant will give the city three years of funding to support the
new officers, but leaves it up to the local government how to keep them
on the job after that.
California is owed $1.4 billion in sales and use taxes (Sept. 28, 2010)Even
as the state faces a $19 billion budget shortfall, California has been
lax in collecting sales taxes paid by consumers but not turned over by
business.
How the county hit the budget wall (Sept. 28, 2010)For
five years, El Paso officials disregarded advice from the county
auditor, hiking budgets faster than the small, incremental property tax
hikes could support.
Fiscal Year 2012 state budget: From can to can't? (Sept. 27, 2010)Mississippi's
lawmakers have tapped out all the special funds, one-time income
sources, and easy cuts over the last three years and are facing
something like a $1.5 billion shortfall with no easy fixes as they
prepare the 2012 budget.
Budget Panel Questions Kitsap (Washington) Sheriff's Plans to Cut Budget (Sept. 27, 2010)County
budget officials are wondering why the sheriff proposes to lay off
deputies while maintaining the budget for administration and other
items.
Anger as a Private Company Takes Over Libraries (Sept. 27, 2010)The California city of Santa Clarita has privatized its libraries - and not everyone is happy about it.
California Can't Purchase Toilet Paper Due to Budget Crisis (Sept. 24, 2010)Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is warning that state parks will run out of
toilet paper soon unless legislators end their months-long budget
standoff.
Daley to put a bandage on 2011 budget (Sept. 24, 2010)In
his last year in office, Chicago's mayor will use a variety of
short-term and one-time budget tricks to balance the books without
raising taxes or cutting services, leaving long-term fixes to his
successors.
Texas files suit to free up $830 million in school funds stuck in political stalemate (Sept. 24, 2010)The
state want to use federal stimulus money for education without having
to promise not to cut state funding for education at the same time, as
required by Congress.
Reimbursing HUD may cost Houston millions (Sept. 24, 2010)In
the midst of a budget crisis, the city may have to repay up to $45
million to make up for money it used improperly nearly a decade ago.
Historic preservation projects latest victim of budget crunch (Sept. 23, 2010)Around
$3 million worth of projects on historic buildings were canceled after
Nevada officials said they couldn't borrow any more money to fund them.
Cuts will cost some their child-care aid (Sept. 23, 2010)New
Mexico is cutting child care subsidies for 5,000 poor families that
earn more than the federal "poverty level" limit (around $22,000 per
year for a family of four).
N.J. family planning centers feel state cuts (Sept. 23, 2010)Several
family planning clinics are closing or reducing services after the
governor and state legislature eliminated the $7.5 million budget for
support of such clinics.
School funds don't match teacher layoffs (Sept. 23, 2010)A
review of federal education stimulus money shows many Wisconsin school
districts that got cash to save teacher jobs were the ones least likely
to need layoffs anyway.
Va. Transportation Dept. audit uncovers hundreds of millions in unspent funds (Sept. 23, 2010)As
cash-strapped governments search desperately for any unused money,
Virginia hits the jackpot - up to $500 million in forgotten accounts.
State lawmakers may use ’sin taxes’ to fill budget holes in upcoming session (Sept. 22, 2010)Idaho lawmakers are eying hikes in their tobacco and alcohol taxes, which are fairly low now, as a way to plug a budget gap.
Unemployment rises in 27 states last month (Sept. 22, 2010)More
than half the states saw unemployment go up - almost twice as many as
the previous month - putting more pressure on state and local budgets.
Rendell orders 50 layoffs of state workers (Sept. 21, 2010)Pennsylvania's
governor orders a small layoff as part of a package of budget and
service cuts to make up for a $250 million drop in federal aid.
Union reaches deal with Illinois to avoid government layoffs (Sept. 21, 2010)Public employees agreed to at least $50 million in wage and benefit concessions to head off layoffs.
Budget-balancing axes being sharpened (Sept. 21, 2010)Legislators are eying layoffs of up to 9,800 state workers to close a $21 billion budget hole over the next two years.
DART looks to privatize paratransit bus service (Sept. 21, 2010)The Dallas transit service looks to save money by privatizing specialized services for its 10,000 disabled customers.
Local Property Tax Caps Have Big Consequences (Sept. 21, 2010)Efforts
to limit property tax increases have limited the options for
governments trying to balance the budget in a crisis, Governing Magazine
reports.
Texas reaped $4.6 billion from federal stimulus (Sept. 21, 2010)Federal stimulus money has created more than 47,000 jobs in Texas so far, according to a Houston Chronicle study.
PAL is a pal in helping out Lincoln Park School District with sports program (Sept. 20, 2010)The
Police Athletic League is taking over the entire sports program of a
North Jersey school district after officials cut the program because of
budget problems.
Fees to state parks going up (Sept. 20, 2010)Colorado
is raising park entrance fees by $1- and considering closing some parks
- to make up for dwindling support from the state legislature
Stimulus funds for Arizona energy projects largely unspent (Sept. 20, 2010)With
the deadline looming to spend the money, Arizona still has $499
million, or about 90 percent, of its federal stimulus funding for energy
projects sitting unused in the bank.
State offers $25 million in tax incentives to Harley-Davidson (Sept. 20, 2010)Wisconsin
will give the legendary motorcycle maker huge tax breaks after it
threatened to leave the state, taking with it about 1,000 jobs.
Mayor Suspends Money for Art Projects During Budget Crisis (Sept. 17, 2010)San
Diego's mayor says the policy of allocating 2 percent of money for
every public building construction project to buying and installing
artwork is unwise in a major budget crisis.
State rejects Atlantic City's cap waiver, considers intervening in city's finances (Sept. 17, 2010)The
city's government edged closer to a budget-related shutdown after state
officials rejected its request for permission to raise property taxes
more than normally allowed by law.
Jackson amnesty day (Sept. 17, 2010)Police
in Jackson, Mississippi are allowing motorists to pay overdue tickets
without the normal fines and interest as part of a city-wide effort to
collect $10 million in unpaid tax and ticket bills.
New Jersey bill would allow advertising on school buses (Sept. 17, 2010)A
bill moving through the New Jersey state legislature would allow
beleaguered school districts to raise money by selling space on the
sides of school buses for advertising.
Extra $675 million sought for health care (Sept. 17, 2010)Health
officials in Wisconsin say they need an extra $675 million to pay the
bills for the poor and elderly who have been forced to rely on state
help during the economic crisis, but lawmakers say the state is already
facing $2.7 billion in red ink.
New Jersey Governor's Planned Pension Overhaul Draws Ire From Unions (Sept. 16, 2010)Gov.
Christie's plan to roll back benefits, eliminate automatic
cost-of-living increases, and make employees pay more into the pension
fund to close a $46 million shortfall in pension funding is meeting
furious resistance from public employees.
Daniels urges permanent property tax caps (Sept. 16, 2010)Indiana's
governor Mitch Daniels says the temptation is so great for towns and
counties to balance the budget by raising property taxes that the
current legal caps on tax hikes should be enshrined in the state
constitution.
S.F. supervisors pass alcohol fee; mayor vows veto (Sept. 16, 2010)San
Francisco lawmakers want to impose $16 million in fees on alcohol to
cover the cost of treating drinking-related medical costs, but the mayor
says the fee would cripple the city's lucrative restaurant and tourism
business.
Metro Dulles extension to cost $3.83 billion (Sept. 16, 2010)Transit
planners in the DC area hope putting part of a subway line to Dulles
airport above ground rather than in a tunnel will save $640 million on
the planned $3.83 billion project.
Crackdowns target welfare cheats (Sept. 16, 2010)State
and federal authorities are looking for new ways to catch people
cheating on public assistance payments, including personal inspections,
data-mining software, and even DNA tests on recipients.
SEIU criticizes Schwarzenegger idea to borrow from CalPERS (Sept. 16, 2010)Public
employees worry that the governor's plan to borrow $2 billion from the
huge California state pension fund will damage the system severely at a
time when it is still reeling from the bad economy (The governor
abandoned this plan later in the week)
The Quest to Get Into Class (Sept. 15, 2010)Continuing
budget cuts at public colleges and university are forcing institutions
nationwide to reduce their class sizes, or even turn away students
altogether.
Balboa Park closer to conservancy (Sept. 15, 2010)Unable
to afford the cost of maintaining it's iconic public park, San Diego is
working to spin off Balboa Park into an independent non-profit that can
raise funds privately for operations and maintenance.
State Budget Woes Endangering Social Service Groups(Sept. 15, 2010)Illinois' budget woes mean social service non-profits are struggling to pay their bills.
Library Cuts Hours In Budget Crisis (Sept. 15, 2010)Indianapolis libraries cut hours by 26 percent to save $1.5 million.
Proposed new driving range raises questions in budget crisis (Sept. 15, 2010)With
the city $67 million in the hole, Seattle residents are wondering why
the recreation department is spending $3.4 million on a new public
driving range.
Budget crisis may force release of convicted juveniles (Sept. 15, 2010)Oregon's
youth detention centers are planning to cut 200 jobs and release up to
325 young convicts unless lawmakers can find extra money somewhere in
the state budget.
Federal agencies cutting, revising $337 million worth of IT contracts (Sept. 15, 2010)The
Office of Management and Budget says many federal agencies will save
money by cutting down on waste and duplication in contracts and by
promoting more open competitive bidding on projects.
Detroiters meet to create road map for Motor City (Sept. 15, 2010)With
the city on the edge of collapse after years of declining population,
Detroit's new mayor is asking residents for help in creating a plan for a
trimmed down and revitalized city government.
New laws require Web databases of finances (Sept. 13, 2010)An
Arizona law to improve government transparency - requiring all expenses
over $5,000 to be posted on a public website - has state and local
governments fretting at the cost: $4,000-8,000 per month.
N.J. applies for $268M in federal education money (Sept. 13, 2010)A
month after an embarrassing clerical error cost the state $400 million
in federal aid (and cost the Education Chief his job), New Jersey tries
to make up with a new grant application; the state has been forecd to
cut about $800 million in its own education funding.
Pa. to spend $4.5M to help Harrisburg (Sept. 13, 2010)After
insisting state taxpayers would not bail out the nearly bankrupt state
capital, Gov. Rendell comes up with some help, but only just enough to
prevent defaulting on the next scheduled bond payment.
Anderson police benefits on agenda (Sept. 13, 2010)
The
small California city of Anderson is considering unilaterally forcing
the police union to accept a change in benefits, including forcing
officers to pay half of the cost of their contributions to the pension
system.
Plan for pricier parking worries some (Sept. 10, 2010)Harrisburg,
already close to bankruptcy because of budget problems, is planning to
raise parking fees 67 percent, making downtown parking in the state's
capital more expensive than in either of its largest cities,
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Nebraska university chancellor girds for budget cuts (Sept. 10, 2010)With
the state legislature eying 10 percent cuts to all parts of the budget,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman says he's
resigned to the idea that he will have to make major cuts to the
university - the eight year he has had to do so in the 11years he has
been in charge.
State Budget Crises Mount as Medicaid Rolls Soar (Sept. 9, 2010)The
poor economy is putting enormous pressure on state budgets as
unemployed families turn to Medicaid for health care; 44 states report
they will exceed their projected Medicaid budgets this year.
Proposal to hand Pennsylvania government reins to counties stalls (Sept. 8, 2010)A
state legislator is floating a controversial plan to dissolve the
state's 2,600 independent municipalities and hand the duties over to the
counties, which would save at least some of the combined $11 billion
annual cost to run all the small towns.
Pa. capital city's financial woes deepen amid feud (Sept. 8, 2010)Amid
political gridlock between the mayor and city council, Harrisburg will
default on a $3 million bond payment rather than lay off employees, the
result of a disastrous investment in a municipal garbage incinerator
that has pushed the city close to bankruptcy.
L.A. Unified delays first day of school year (Sept. 8, 2010)Budget problems, and the late date of the Jewish Holy Days, have forced the Los Angeles schools to delay opening day by a week.
UCLA’s Anderson School of Management Gives Up on Public Funding (Sept. 8, 2010)Tired
of the never-ending budget cuts from the state, the prestigious
California business school is eying giving up state funding completely
and raising money from private contributions and higher tuition.
Cafeteria Workers Storm Mayor’s Office (Sept. 8, 2010)New
Haven's mayor told protesting school cafeteria workers that the city
does not have the money to avoid benefit cuts in the new union contract.
New Jersey schools, parents find ways to cope with budget cuts (Sept. 7, 2010)In
the face of severe state cuts, parents and teachers in South Jersey are
relying more than ever on fund-raising events and old-fashioned begging
to fund items such as class trips and even basic classroom supplies.
Phoenix fetes businesses that helped in budget crisis (Sept. 7, 2010)City
officials held a privately-funded reception to honor 120 contractors
who agreed to cut their invoices by 3 percent earlier this year, helping
cash-strapped Phoenix to save almost $80,000.
Federal government gives Charlotte Schools $25.7m (Sept. 7, 2010)School
district officials have decided to sit on most of the aide money until
next year, even though Congress allocated it to save teacher jobs this
year.
Local tax measures crowd ballot as voters asked to foot bill for budget crisis (Sept. 7, 2010)With
state and local governments in California nearing bankruptcy, voters
are increasingly being asked to approve borrowing measures just to keep
the doors open.
Chicago hopes to borrow another $1 billion for O'Hare expansion (Sept. 7, 2010)Both
state and local governments are out of money to finish the
multi-billion-dollar expansion of the nation's largest airport, which is
less than half finished, forcing the city to borrow at least $1 billion
to keep the project moving.
Some Long Beach Employees Help Ease City's Financial Crisis (Sept. 3, 2010)Employees
of the City Attorney, Auditor, and prosecutor have agreed to ease the
strain on the city pension plan by putting the money from scheduled pay
raises into the pension fund instead.
Fresno's annual Veterans Day Parade in jeopardy (Sept. 3, 2010)The
city's 91-year-old Veteran's Day parade may be canceled after the city
and local casinos were forced to drop their contributions to fund the
event.
Tucson's tough budget decisions (Sept. 3, 2010)City officials are warning of layoffs of police and firefighters if voters don't approve a 1/2 cent sales tax hike.
Google Earth Helps Identify Code Violators (Sept. 3, 2010)Code
officials nationwide are using the satellite photos available on Google
to more efficiently catch people who try to evade building codes or
permitting requirement, collecting more in fines and doing more work
with less effort by inspectors, but privacy advocates are crying foul.
Pension Fund Investments Are Up, But Gaps Persist (Sept. 3, 2010)In
a tiny glimmer of good news, managers of the nation's overstretched
public pension plans say the value of their investments is slowly
improving after two or three devastating years.
Maryland ends year with more money than expected (Sept. 2, 2010)Maryland
learns that pessimism pays; coming out of the worst year on record in
2009, state officials made an even grimmer prediction for 2010 only to
find themselves pleasantly (if slightly) surprised.
Massac County budget crunch has more jobs in jeopardy (Sept. 1, 2010)State-level budget troubles in Illinois are trickling down to counties, putting local government jobs at risk.
Montgomery residents adjust to reduced services after budget crisis (Sept. 1, 2010)Even
one of the nation's richest counties, in the Maryland suburbs of
Washington, D.C., is having to adjust to reduced services - less grass
mowing and trash pickup, reduced library staffing, slower road
maintenance and abandoned car removal.
Dallas' police, fire unions agree to cuts to help budget deficit (Sept. 1, 2010)Union
members agree to pay cuts and mandatory furlough days to save the city
$22 million, roughly a fifth of the total budget gap Dallas faces.
State's budget crisis could derail $1-billion plan to expand Metra rail service (Aug. 31, 2010)Almost
$1 billion in regional rail upgrades around Chicago are in jeopardy
because Illinois cannot afford its share of the projects, which are
mostly funded by the federal government.
Drug Treatment Centers in Yolo County Forced to Discharge Dozens Due to State Budget Crunch (Aug. 31, 2010)California's
never-ending political deadlock on how to balance the budget means drug
treatment centers have not been paid by the state since March, and many
are laying off staff and discharging patients before they are finished
treatment.
NJN Could be Next Victim of New Jersey’s Budget Crisis (Aug. 30, 2010)New
Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is looking to get the state government out
of the broadcasting business by cutting funding for the state's
40-year-old public TV and radio broadcasting network.
Vacations, furloughs and a financial mess (Aug. 30, 2010)Illinois
has backpedaled on a plan to force government workers to take unpaid
time off, saying employees can use vacation and personal days to satisfy
the furlough requirement; critics say that defeats the entire purpose.
Pittsburgh will increase, simplify online services in coming months (Aug. 30, 2010)The
city hopes a $1.3 million investment in technology will save money in
the long run by allowing more efficient use of employees and resources.
Gov. Ted Kulongski says budget crisis won’t require cuts (Aug. 27, 2010)
Oregon's
governor promises to close a $377 million budget hole without cutting
education funding or curtailing major government services.
Daley seeks to privatize Taste of Chicago, other government services (Aug. 27, 2010)
With
Chicago's budget gap nearing $700 million, the mayor is considering
selling off even such esoteric items as "Taste of Chicago," the annual
waterfront food festival sponsored by the city.
Newark submits plan to eliminate nearly 1,000 city jobs (Aug. 27, 2010)
Mayor Cory Booker says cutting the public jobs will save $200 million.
Facing Budget Gaps, Cities Sell Parking, Airports, Zoo (Aug. 27, 2010)
With
spiraling deficits and soaring costs, local governments are scrambling
to shed major assets to raise funds and save operating costs, including
selling water systems, airports, and government buildings.
Appeals Court upholds ruling on Arpaio funds (Aug. 27, 2010)
A judge says the supervisors in Arizona's Maricopa County did have the
right to raid unused funds in a variety of special-use accounts to pay
bills to the state; the sheriff had sued to block the county from using
some money dedicated to his office.
State explores private management of state parks (Aug. 26, 2010)
The
head of a legislative advisory commission says the state should think
about privatizing the management of the 43 state-run parks and museums
as a way to save on the $31 million annual budget for the system.
Pennsylvania State Liquor Control Board To Raise Fee (Aug. 25, 2010)
The
state-run liquor and wine monopoly will raise "storage and handling"
fees up to $2 per bottle next year as a way to raise money; restaurant
owners say the cost to consumers could be hundreds of millions of
dollars.
Thanks to a sea of red, city's seeing more green (Aug. 25, 2010)
A
long streak of sell-out home crowds for the Philadelphia Phillies means
a $21 million extra in amusement tax revenue for the city.
Parents right to help each other during bus crisis (Aug. 25, 2010)
When
one of Arizona's school districts cut all bus service for students
living closer than 2.5 miles from a school, to save $400,000 per year,
it left parents scrambling to work out private transportation systems.
Newark council proposal to sell city property is expected to generate $50M, cost $60M in long term (Aug. 25, 2010)
A
complicated short-term deal to sell city-owned buildings to a county
agency will help close a $50 million budget gap, but it will cost $60
million in the long term in fees and maintenance.
Liquor initiatives stir up old dispute (Aug. 24, 2010)
Two ballot measures before voters in November would dismantle Washington's state-run liquor system, a move that advocates say will raise revenue (but which opponents say will cost the state money).
Marijuana will help plug Colorado budget hole (Aug. 24, 2010)
Gov.
Bill Ritter's $60 million budget-balancing plan includes about $9
million taken from a fund paid for by applicants for permits to enter
the state's wildly successful - and wildly controversial - medical
marijuana program.
Wisconsin speeds train spending (Aug. 24, 2010)
Republicans
in the state legislature say the outgoing Democratic governor is
fast-tracking an expensive rail line between Madison and Milwaukee, at a
cost of $300 million this year alone, because the Republican candidates
for governor are promising to kill the line as a budget-cutting
measure.
Hazelton, Pa. cuts cost-saving deal with water authority (Aug. 23, 2010)
A
week after scuttling plans to sell the local water utility, the town
works out an elaborate deal to give the authority more responsibility,
including trash collection, and generate about $400,000 for the town.
North Miami Beach: Layoffs, cuts to services, needed to bridge budget crisis (Aug. 23, 2010)
Facing
a $4 million budget gap, city officials are looking at a 10 percent
salary cut for employees and up to 10 unpaid furlough days.
Community health clinics latest victim of budget impasse (Aug. 23, 2010)
The
two-month-old budget deadlock in California means public health clinics
must either shut down or try to survive on state-issued IOUs.
Editorial: Budget crisis' size begs for special session (Aug. 23, 2010)
Worse-than-expected
tax collections means Oregon may be facing a budget shortfall of up to
$1 billion; the Statesman-Journal calls for a special session of the
legislature to respond.
Arizona cities use collection firms for unpaid utility bills (Aug. 23, 2010)
Phoenix-area cities are turning to private collection agencies to squeeze much-needed cash out of delinquent utility customers.
Washington Universities raise tuition, make cuts during crisis (Aug. 23, 2010)
Beset
by budget cuts, Washington's public universities are accepting fewer
students and raising the price for those that do get in.
Instead of assault shelter, neighbors open doors (Aug. 23, 2010)
As
California's budget crisis shutters the town's only domestic violence
shelter, residents of Grass Valley are opening their own homes to
victims who would otherwise have nowhere to turn.
LSU prepares for $73.8 million budget reduction (Aug. 23, 2010)
University officials are scrambling to figure out how to respond to a 35 percent budget cut, caused by declining state aid.
$16M from e911 fund used to balance budget (Aug. 23, 2010)
Hawaii
dipped into the fund to operate the emergency telephone system to
balance the budget, one of 10 states to make such a move this year.
Cook County looking at a $300 million shortfall (Aug. 23, 2010)
The County Executive warns of a 10 percent across-the-board budget cut for the sprawling Illinois county.
Proposed Fort Worth Budget Contains Long-Term Cuts (Aug. 19, 2010)
Facing
a $73 million budget shortfall, city officials started thinking long
term, looking at a five year budget plan instead of the traditional
one-year plan so cuts could be more strategic and sustainable.
With Texas budget crisis, odds may in slots' favor (Aug, 19, 2010)
Backers
of slot machine gambling at the state's racetracks see the state's
fiscal woes as an opening to get their issue a favorable hearing in the
state legislature; gambling interests argue slots would raise tax
revenue and they have spent more than $4 million on lobbying and
campaign contributions in a year.
Bill would end welfare-card use at Michigan casino ATMs (Aug. 19, 2010)
Michigan
officials want to prevent welfare recipients from uring their state
issued-debit cards to withdraw public assistance-provided cash at the
state's casinos; it is not clear how much it would save, but the LA
Times reported that welfare recipients in California withdrew $1.8
million at ATMs in taht state's casinos over a seven month period.
IPads, Text Messaging Enhances Communication Efforts in Williamsburg, Va. (Aug. 19, 2010)
City
officials plan to issue Council members new iPads not only as a way to
improve communication but to save at least $2,000 per month in printing
costs for Council agendas and other documents; the iPads are expected to
pay for themselves in 18 months.
Harrisburg selects financial adviser to work on debt dig-out (Aug. 18, 2010)
Teetering
on the edge of bankruptcy because of a deal-gone-bad to build a new
trash incinerator, Pennsylvania's capital city is looking to a Chicago
consultant to figure out how to deal with $288 million in bad debts.
Nashvillians who produce a lot of trash will pay more (Aug. 18, 2010)
Property
owners who put out more than one large trash container per week for
city workers to collect with have to pay an extra $3.15 per can per
month starting in 2014.
City of Phoenix Considers Four-Day Workweek (Aug. 18, 2010)
Phoenix
is considering switching to a four-day, 10-hour-per-day workweek for
the majority of employees to save money, the largest municipality in the
country to do so.
Scranton meters raising money, hackles (Aug. 17, 2010)
Despite
protests and threats by some to boycott metered parking, Scranton
officials say that doubling parking rates downtown (and doubling
tickets for scofflaws) has worked: meter revenue is up 36 percent from
last year, when fees went from 50 cents per hour to a dollar.
Kansas City, Missouri sues to halt vote on earnings tax (Aug. 16, 2010)
City
officials fear that a ballot measure, set for the November election,
will cost Kansas City $200 million per year, so they are asking a judge
to block the vote.
Seattle Cuts Red Tape by Putting Public Safety Antennas Atop Public Housing (Aug. 16, 2010)
To
avoid bureaucratic hassle and cost, Seattle is using public housing
buildings as sites for new radio towers for a new communication system
for police and firefighters.
Donations Keep Baltimore Pools Open (Aug. 13, 2010)
The
city said it would reopen its largest public swimming pools, shut down
this week by budget cuts, after corporations and individuals kicked in
more than $582,000 in donations, though the city is still $100,000 short
of funds to keep 13 smaller pools open for the rest of the season.
We Want Our IOUs (Aug. 12, 2010)
With
California's budget billions in the red and lawmakers deadlocked, the
state says it may run out of money as early as the end of August,
forcing it to pay bills with IOUs.
Gov. Ed Rendell asks for 1.9% across-the-board cut to help fill budget gap (Aug. 12, 2010)
With
the federal government set to send Harrisburg about $250 million less
than it had anticipate din aid, Gov. Rendell called for a 1.9 percent
cut across the board in all state agencies, along with a $50 million cut
in education funding.
Pittsburgh Mayor releases revised parking lease proposal (Aug. 12, 2010)
The
mayor hopes a plan to privatize parking meters enforcement and parking
garage operation will pump $200 million into the city's pension fund and
retire $100 million in parking authority debt.
U.S. House Passes $26 Billion in State Aid (Aug. 12, 2010)
Lawmakers
pass a bill aimed at preventing mass layoffs of teachers and other
public employees at the state and local level, which Democrats fear
would hurt services and boost unemployment.
California Governor Appeals Judge's Furlough Ruling (Aug. 12, 2010)
Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is urging a judge to reconsider a ruling that
blocks him from imposing unpaid time off on 156,000 state workers as a
way to save around $100 million.
Oakland Police, City Reach Pension Agreement (Aug. 12, 2010)
The
police union agreed that officers would pay more in pension costs and
new officers would face a later retirement age, but the deal is
contingent on voters accepting a $360-per-parcel land tax on the
November ballot.
California County to Recover $2.4 Million in Auction (Aug. 12, 2010)
Oakland
officials offered 1,000 properties at a tax sale and collected $2.4
million on the 211 that sold - that's about 27 percent of the amount
those former property owners owed in taxes, but it was a far more
successful sale than previous tax sales.
Pentagon Plans Steps to Reduce Budget and Jobs, (Aug. 10, 2010)
Even
the mighty U.S. military is not immune to budget pressure; the
Secretary of Defense says he will reign in outside contracting and
reduce the number of admirals and generals in an effort to lower costs.
Mississippi Universities Eye 30 Percent Energy Cut, (Aug. 10, 2010)
Facing
a 20 percent cut in state funding over three years, the leaders of
Mississippi's eight public universities have ordered a 30 percent cut in
energy usage by 2015.
Camden libraries win reprieve, (Aug. 9, 2010)
As Camden city officials were preparing to do away with the city public libraries (see earlier story below), the county library system stepped in to save the three branches and 21 jobs.
Governments Go to Extremes as the Downturn Wears On, Aug. 9, 2010
The
New York Times outlines some of the extreme measures governments are
taking to save money, from turning out street lights to shortening the
school year to outsourcing police protection.
New York Legislature Passes Plan to Limit Charitable Deductions for the Wealthy, Aug. 6, 2010
Cash-strapped
New York is considering cutting tax exemptions for charitable
donations, but non-profits are alarmed that it might hurt their already
struggling fund-raising efforts.
Camden preparing to close library system, Aug. 6, 2010
Budget cuts drive Camden to become one of just a handful of cities with no free way for residents to borrow books.
California's Proposition 25 would have "majority rule" on budgets, Aug. 6, 2010
After years of budget deadlock, California considers getting rid of the "Supermajority" rule for passing state budgets.
Dallas toll authority considers billing drivers less often for tolls, Aug. 6, 2010
Billing less often will save postage and staff time - and spare drivers the aggravation of frequent invoices.
Chicago:Teachers Union Suing to Stop Layoffs, Aug. 4, 2010
The union asked a court to block 1,000 layoffs because decisions were not based on seniority.
West Virginia: State Budget Year begins with $24m surplus, Aug. 4, 2010
In
a rare bit of good news, robust growth and aggressive budget cuts leave
West Virginia in the black for the first time in several years.
Florida owes $52.7 million in unpaid solar energy rebates, Aug. 3, 2010
Legislators say they would like to keep their promise to green-minded homeowners but they are out of money.
Atlantic City Government Closed for Furloughs, Aug. 2, 2010
Declining tax revenue and a slumping casino industry force the city to shutter government offices.
As some states close rest areas, others see roadside revenue, Aug. 2, 2010
Where
some states are closing rest stops to save money, Delaware has
privatized its gleaming new facility on I-95, bringing in $1.6 million
per year.
Sales tax holidays spread to 18 states, Aug. 1, 2010
Despite
the disapproval of budget hawks and some economists, more and more
states are suspending sales taxes to lure shoppers back into the
marketplace.
Chicago facing $654.7 budget shortfall, aldermen told, July 30, 2010
The Mayor says no property tax hike, but everything else is on the table, including severe layoffs.
El Paso looks at raising taxes, cutting services in budget crisis, July 30, 2010
Despite
$3.5 million in cuts so far, the city's new budget is still $1 million
larger than last year; city officials ask unions for concessions to
avoid layoffs.
California state budget crisis prompts Gov. Schwarzenegger to order more unpaid furlough days, July 28, 2010
Facing a $19 billion deficit, California orders 150,000 state workers to take three unpaid days off a month.
Drastic cuts in government services began today in Newark, July 28, 2010
With
the budget $180 million out of balance, Newark's mayor orders drastic
cuts, including recreation facilities, courts, trash pickup, and social
services.
California Cash Crunch in Maywood, City Outsources Everything, July 21, 2010
Facing
bankruptcy, the small city lays off nearly the entire city workforce,
including the police department, and contracts out the duties to Los
Angeles County and the nearby city of Bell.