District 10 Councilmember, Jerry Allen
Evidence of the scope of this national issue can be found in the Pew Charitable Trusts' recent report, "Not Out of the Woods: The Recession’s Continuing Impact on Big City Taxes, Services and Pensions."
Pew is a national nonprofit organization that applies analytical approaches toward the improvement of public policy, informing the public and stimulating civic life.
Their most recent study examines the effects of the recession on 12 major U.S. metropolitan cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Phoenix and others.
Dallas is no different.
At this moment the City Manager is projecting in excess of a $100 million shortfall.
The main driver behind the deficit is that revenues are projected to decline by $99.6 million from the current year.
The bulk of the loss of revenue is from a reduction in property taxes, as well as a reduction in sales tax revenues. Therefore, the question becomes how do you fund current services with a $100 million shortfall in revenue?
The short answer is to either find new revenue sources, such as raising taxes and fees, or find ways to cut expenses and, therefore, services.
Neither answer is easy.
However for some, the lazy answer is to raise taxes.
I agree. It's the easy way out, as it doesn't require much thought.
Cities are not unlike businesses, or even households, that find revenues shrinking; the first thing they should do is tighten their belts. The problem is that we tightened our belts last year, and now we’re faced with adding new holes to the belt to tighten even more.
My biggest concern?
Have we looked under every rock to make sure - without a shadow of doubt - that Dallas, Texas, is the most efficiently run city in this great country?
My goal is to find those nickels, dimes and quarters so that we can keep our libraries, recreation centers and cultural centers open.
Again, raising taxes is the easy way out, but getting your hands dirty in the hunt, while unpleasant, makes our city better in the long run.
During this time, I need constituent feedback more than ever. I need input on fresh ideas for revenue generation and expense control.
We have come too far to go backwards now.
At the end of the day, I expect there to be a balance between new revenue sources and reductions in staff and services to complete the budgeting process.
As far as a tax increase? Right now it would be a split vote on the City Council. The Southern sector is in favor of tax increases; the Northern sector is against it.
The one thing I can guarantee you is that the message coming from your Councilman will be, "we want our fair share."
I welcome your ideas, your input and your feedback at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
To see the City Manager’s recent presentation to the Dallas City Council in its entirety, click here.
To view the complete Pew Charitable Trusts' report: Philadelphia Research Initiative & "Not Out of the Woods Yet," click here.
