A Special Session is "Brewing"‏

4th Special Session In the Wind

The Governor and legislative leaders are talking about a special session that is likely to be called during the week of November 16 to partially address an estimated $2 billion budget shortfall this fiscal year. Legislative leaders are briefing members about a preliminary plan that would yield about $540 million of FY 2010 reductions. K-12 and the Department of Economic Services(DES) would bear the brunt of the cuts -- about $140 million each, an amount that reduces spending to 2006 levels, the minimum required to remain eligible for federal stimulus funds already accepted. The remainder of the FY 2010 shortfall would be left until after the turn of the year.

Phoenix Budget Condition

This week Phoenix city departments received instructions for 2010-11 budget preparation. As the state experiences revenues below last year's levels, so is the city of Phoenix. To be prepared for a worst case scenario, departments are being asked to identify 30 percent cuts to programs and personnel paid with general funds. Public Safety departments including Police, Fire, Municipal Court, Prosecutor and Public Defender are being asked to identify 15 percent cuts. The resulting reduction lists are a tool for city management to prepare recommendations to the Mayor and Council who will enact a budget following public hearings. The general timeline is:

Dec. 1 - Jan. 15
- Manager's Office reviews reduction lists

Feb. 2 -
Balanced budget proposed to City Council

Feb 10 - 24 -
Community hearings

March 2 -
Final Recommended Budget presented to City Council

April 5 -
Reductions effective

What can you do?

Attend your community hearing to tell your City Council member and city management what programs and services are most important to you.

Take advantage of one of the "Understanding Your State Legislature" workshops scheduled Nov. 17 or Nov. 19. Register online now or call 602-262-1833 to reserve space for one of these free events. Seating is limited.

Contact your State Senator and State Representatives to ask them to protect Shared Revenues for cities and towns. Click on "Link to the P.L.A.N." below to go to your "My PLAN" page to find your legislators' contact information.

Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect city revenues!

Source: P.L.A.N.