Springfield's Budget Deficit Doubles

The economy has forced municipalities across the country to make some tough decisions this year.

But, the budget deficit in the Capital City continues to widen.

Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin says the city's budget is $1.2 - $1.4 million in the red.

The city's budget shortfall has doubled in the last three months.

This comes as aldermen get ready to start crafting next year's budget.

When asked whether layoffs can be avoided, Mayor Tim Davlin says he's crossing his fingers.

In the meantime, he says the city has delayed every major project and filling the positions of those who retire.

Now, Davlin says he's closely monitoring every penny the city spends, along with concessions the unions make.

But, he says CWLP's Payment in Lieu of Taxes program is coming up short of what city leaders projected, thanks to mild summer weather.

And sales and income tax revenue is down.

One alderman argues the city isn't being proactive in dealing with the deficit.

"The rest of us have kind of stood up and said our peace and brought out different solutions and things that can be done and they just don't want to do it," said Ward 9 Alderman Steve Dove. "So it's frustrating in that way because we shouldn't be in this mess as we are now."

"Next year's budget is probably going to be easy - easier on the aldermen than it has been on the past, because there's no such thing as extra money," Davlin said. "Wherever we end up this year is pretty much where we'll be next year."

The mayor says the city is working to get a better grip on revenue projections for next year.

And he's waiting to see how much grant money the city can use to pay for personnel.

Dove says he thinks there will be a lot of questions when aldermen start working on next year's budget.

That process is expected to start Dec. 1.

In the meantime, the city remains in the red with about four months to go in the current budget cycle.

When asked whether he'd suggest a property tax increase to bring more revenue into the city, Davlin says he hasn't thought about it.

He says the administration will have to wait and see how the budget looks in December.Springfield's Budget Deficit Doubles

Posted: Tuesday, November 3 2009, 10:08 PM CST