WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. MARCH 31, 2006: City Hall is proposing a $137 Million budget for 2006-2007 which at this time increases city property taxes 9% according to The Journal News. The news confirms what WPCNR reported earlier this week when Councilman Arnold Bernstein said at the Rocky Dell/ Reynal Park Neighborhood Association the city was looking at a "double digit" tax increase for residents. Mayor Delfino's wish budget still must undergo the withering scrutiny of the Common Council in a series of budget meetings coming up, which as of last week, were not scheduled.

Paul Wood, the Mayor's Executive Officer, is reported as saying there are no cuts in city services or programs, though community development funds have been cut previously, and departments, city Commissioners have confirmed to WPCNR have been asked to cut spending 10 to 15% for the rest of this fiscal year. 

Keith Eddings article, in addition reports the city will take "an $8 Million Dip in reserves" on top of the $8.5 Million scooped out of the city fund balance for this year's budget. The budget apparently in the hands of The Journal News before the Common Council has seen it, will be presented to the Council Monday. Mr. Eddings reports Rita Malmud, President of the Common Council as being unable to comment on the budget until "she has seen it Monday." There was no report of how salaries of the Administration Cabinet will be increased which have ranged in the double digits as recently as last year.