Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra on Monday released his budget plan for the next fiscal year and it cuts spending by around $47 million while avoiding tax increases.
Segarra said his plan will not cut essential city services, but most departments will likely have to look for about $500,000 in cuts.
The mayor said he intends to ask unions to make concessions to avoid layoffs.
Hartford City Council President Shawn Wooden issued a statement, commending the lack of tax increases, but said he does not approve increases for spending on staffing.
"I am pleased that the Mayor submitted a budget with no tax increases, and I look forward to reviewing it closely once it is transmitted to the Council,” Council President Shawn T. Wooden said in a statement. “And, while I appreciate that his proposed budget complies with the municipal code's one assistant per Councilmember staffing model, it is an increase in spending that I do not support.”
Wooden wants to see the number of aides cut from nine to seven.
The city’s largest expenses continue to be pension fund contributions and health plans, Segarra said during a news conference.
