Dallas Faces Multimillion Budget Shortfall

[TexasStooge]

I'm beginning to think that the nextdoor city of Dallas is one of the WORST cities in the world!

DALLAS, Texas -- Dallas City Council members are looking for ways to overcome an $8 million budgetary shortfall. Tax increases have been discussed, and city employees could face reduced job benefits.

Dallas property owners could bear the brunt of the council's attempt to bridge the budget gap. Council members Wednesday introduced a proposal that would increase property taxes by 2 percent.

In addition, water fees are expected to increase, while other utility rates could rise. Homeowners insurance also is at an all-time high, according to an NBC 5 report.

"If we are going to make the streets safer, and I don't want to be the No. 1 city in crime, then we have to put money in public safety," Mayor Laura Miller said. "That is the increase, if we have one. It's all about public safety."

Some council members turned their attention to reducing city operating costs before raising taxes. In addition to cutting benefits, city leaders are looking at eliminating some employee raises.

"We need to do a better job in how we deal with employees and not reducing any services," Councilman Donald Hill said.