Aug 20, 2009 11:31 pm US/Eastern
Devastating Cuts Expected Under Doomsday Budget
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (File)
CBS
Mayor Michael Nutter said the clock is counting down to the implementation of a devastating 'doomsday budget' in Philadelphia.
During a morning press conference Thursday, Mayor Nutter said he has submitted a revised five-year plan for the city that would lead to the largest number of layoffs in the city's history.
"Other than the five days in which we have lost brave police officers in the line of duty, this is clearly the worst day of my tenure and service to you as mayor of this great city," Mayor Nutter said.
Under the "Plan C" budget, nearly 3,000 city workers will lose their jobs, including 1,000 police officers and 200 firefighters.
On Wednesday, Mayor Nutter said Philadelphia's court system will face a "virtual shutdown" if the cash-strapped city does not get state approval for a sales tax increase and changes to how it makes its pension payments.
Philadelphia is facing a $1.4 billion five-year budget deficit. The city has asked the state to approve a temporary sales tax increase in Philadelphia and allow changes to how the city makes its pension payments.
District Attorney Lynne Abraham says her office and others would face devastating cuts, too.
Numerous city agencies will also be severely impacted by the amended budget. Mayor Nutter said recreational programs, libraries and city pools will be closed under Plan C.
The city planning commission, commerce department and Fairmount Park will also be shuttered under the measure.
Officials in every city department have been asked to produce a list of layoff candidates by Friday. Those affected employees will be notified no later than September 18 with layoffs planned for October 2.
Residents will also be directly affected by cuts as city trash pickups will shift to an every other week schedule. Street lighting will also be reduced and 1,000 traffic lights will be switched to red flashers.
In Harrisburg, a state legislative leader says he hopes to have a bill ready for a vote next week. But Mayor Nutter warns the bill will need to pass without any amendments and get on the Governor's desk as soon as possible.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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