The dark tunnel the Chillicothe budget is in...now has a few brighter lights at the end.
Mayor Jack Everson spent about a hour explaining a long list of items to pull the budget back from its estimated $1.4 million shortfall in the new year.
Council's Finance Committee meeting was handed over to the mayor, where he explained 27 actions that need to be started as soon as possible, to hopefully drag the deficit back by about $2.5 million. But the timeline and numbers are far from easy.
The items were grouped into "revenue increases" and "cost reductions"...and both of those were separated into what is planned to be done, and what is hoped to be avoided. Tax increases and layoffs are in the "avoid" column, but they are among what might have to be considered.
Council president Alan Davis said he couldn't think of a more thoughtful business approach, and city auditor Tom Spetnagel said he was glad police and fire layoffs were avoided.
The mayor said he would have more information for council's Monday session.
This list...and updates on actions based on it...will be available online from the city.
hear Mayor Jack Everson on long list of items to pull the budget back from shortfall
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils
