St. Petersburg, Clearwater grappling with budgets

Friday, July 10, 2009

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Mayor Rick Baker wants to put a wage freeze in place for city employees.

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Two Pinellas County cities are searching for ways to resolve looming budget problems.

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker is doing battle with the budget - and employees who want their promised raises.

According to Bay News 9's partner paper, the St. Petersburg Times, Baker wants to slash the budget by cutting staff and putting a wage freeze in place. He also wants to get rid of pay raises in three union contracts.

Baker said the city can't afford those raises, and that getting rid of them would save 90 jobs.

Union leaders say Baker could dip into city savings to make up the cash.

The city of Clearwater is looking taking a different tactic to deal with the budget shortfall.

The city is considering raising taxes to make ends meet. That's on top of eliminating city jobs, including police officers, consolidating departments and making cuts in operations.

According to Bay News 9's partner paper, the St. Petersburg Times, the council still has to vote on the budget. They will also be voting on a possible millage hike at their meeting next Thursday.