Becker seeks to plug $4 million hole in Salt Lake City budget

Mayor Ralph Becker is calling for a 5 percent budget reduction to help Salt Lake City survive the recent economic downturn.

The City Council on Wednesday received Becker's proposed revisions in the budget, which address a $4 million budget shortfall without laying off city employees or doing away with any city services.

"Just like our residents, Salt Lake City government is facing a different financial reality today than we were even six months ago," Becker said. "And just like our residents, we are committed to finding ways to do more with less. We are committed to keeping our city government strong during this financial crisis."

Like many municipalities across the nation, Salt Lake City is facing a budget gap due to steady decline in sales-tax dollars over the past several months.

Sales-tax revenues in the city have declined $3 million since the fiscal year began July 1, and the city's property-tax revenues are about $1 million shy of what was expected when the budget was approved.

Becker asked city department heads to find ways to trim expenses without major layoffs or reducing service levels. The mayor then used those recommendations to develop a budget-reduction scenario that results in savings of nearly 5 percent.

"I appreciate the work of each department director to help me identify a smart approach that keeps our budget balanced while still moving our city forward," Becker said.

The budget proposal delays plans to fill several vacant positions and recommends extending the cycle for replacing computers from three years to four years. It also recommends a reduction in the number of laptop computers for police use in the field.

Under the proposal, funding would be trimmed for several departments. The amount of money spent on office equipment and supplies would be reduced.

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