Written by Michael Palomba
Last week, Mayor Kevin Faulconer proposed a drastically new budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget includes sharp spending cuts to make up for a $250 million gap in tax revenue as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
The proposed budget would eliminate 354 city jobs, cut arts funding in half, and reduce hours at city libraries and recreation centers.
However, Faulconer said the city would help displaced employees. In addition, no public safety jobs or homeless services would be affected by the cuts.
“Our economy is currently at a virtual standstill,” Faulconer said. “We’ve never had a month like this, and of course, we’ve never had a budget like this.”
City Councilman Scott Sherman released a statement supporting Faulconer’s proposed budget.
“The proposed budget, though painful, continues to fund vital city services such as public safety and infrastructure while putting the city in a good position to face unknown and dark economic times ahead,” Sherman said. “I commend Mayor Faulconer and his team for this well thought out and fiscally responsible budget.”
Sherman also makes it clear that this is no time for partisan games.
“Now is not the time for politics. If my colleagues on the City Council disapprove of certain cuts in this budget, it is their responsibility to lay out clear options for funding sources or alternative cuts in other departments.”
The statement ends with a reminder of what is really at stake during this pandemic.
“Small businesses and citizens are taking the brunt of economic hits, but soon, the city and city workers will be feeling it too. It is time to face realities and prepare for the difficult times ahead.”
We need officials who understand that fiscal responsibly is a priority, and Sherman clearly does. We are facing unprecedented times and the city’s revenue is bound to take a hit. There is a stay-at-home order that is keeping nearly 40 million Californians from going anywhere. That means a lot of lost tax revenue from a multitude of sources.
In addition to the lost tax revenue, the city will undoubtedly be spending a lot more money than budgeted. City officials need to make up for that deficit somehow, and cutting unnecessary expenses is the way to do it. The mayor made it clear; public health, infrastructure, and other vital services will not be cut.
The “California way” of dealing with increased spending is usually some sort of tax. We should appreciate local leaders like Mayor Faulconer and Councilman Sherman, who want to reduce unnecessary government spending rather than make up a new tax.
