Programs, Services in Limbo
The common council in New Britain has yet to close a $4 million budget gap
A number of city programs and services are in limbo as the New Britain common council deliberates how to close a $4 million budget gap.
The council met again Wednesday night but no deal was brought to the table.
Michael Trueworthy, the council president, said negotiations are continuing.
"The reality is, is that there really aren't any good solutions," Trueworthy said.
The council has been scrambling to find a solution ever since they shot down a plan to raise fees on out-of-town landlords.
That plan faced stiff opposition, but would have closed the $4 million dollar gap.
Now everything from cuts, to raising taxes and fees are on the table.
Funding for the library, the youth museum and summer camp programs could be cut.
"Wherever we cut, there's going to be an affect on the people who use the library," Patricia Rutkowski, the director of the New Britain Public Library, said.
Earlier this year, $95,000 was slashed from the library's budget. They had to cut back on staff positions and some programs. Now they're in the cross hairs again and preparing for the worst case scenario.
"In fact recently I've been looking at hours and services and trying to see where we can save for further savings," Rutkowski said.
Rutkowski and others pleaded their case to the council.
Trueworthy said the sooner they can come up with a solution, the better.
