$5M St. John's deficit looming
Residents discussed ways to balance the budget at a city meeting Monday.
The City of St. John's got some public suggestions Monday evening on how it can handle a projected $5 million deficit.
City hall called the meeting because officials must make recommendations in time for the council to bring in a balanced budget by mid-December.
One resident said he believes he knows how the city will deal with its budget shortfall.
"We figure that over the next three years, at least two of those years, the taxes are going to go up, " said Simon Lono, a former council candidate who has formed a budget watchdog group. "Chances are, taxes are probably going to up again this year too."
Another resident at the meeting said the city might not choose just one option of either increasing taxes or cutting services. "It's probably a combination of both," said Gary Lane.
Other people offered solutions ranging from increasing fines for people who litter to a bringing in a hiring freeze at city hall.