New Budget Passed In Springfield Massachusetts

The city council in Springfield Massachusetts has approved what officials described as an  “austere”  budget for the fiscal year that starts Sunday, July 1st.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

            The  $552 million dollar budget proposed by Mayor Domenic Sarno  was approved by a vote of 7 to 5 with no additional cuts in spending.   City councilor Kenneth Shea said to cut city services deeper than what the mayor has proposed would be unpalatable to most residents and businesses.

            The budget will result in three branch libraries closing, reduced repairs and maintence to streets, sidewalks and parks and removing a fire department ladder truck from service. Property tax revenue is projected to drop by $7 million as a result of lower real estate values and the Prop 2 and half tax cap.