Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Staff Cuts/Tax Hike in Burlington

It appears Burlington will have to cut staff and raise taxes to balance the city's budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

City Manager Jim Ferneau says nearly a dozen positions would be eliminated under the current proposal, including four in the police department, three in the fire department and two at the Burlington Public Library.

He says even with the cuts, the city's property tax rate would also increase by $0.75.

Ferneau says these steps are needed to get the city's finances back on track, especially after Burlington's credit rating was lowered.

He says the city council has also reached a consensus to implement a 3% franchise fee for gas and electric services.

A formal vote on Burlington's upcoming budget is expected in the next few weeks.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.