Results tagged “budgetcut”

The Observer reports that Mayor Bloomberg wants to cut $1.2 billion from next year's budget and $550 million from this year's, according to a letter from budget director Mark Page: "For the current year, Bloomberg is seeking to cut 1.5 percent from the Department of Education, 2 percent from 'uniformed forces' and 4 percent from all other agencies. For next year, Bloomberg wants 4 percent cuts from the Department of Education and uniformed forces, and 8 percent cuts from all other agencies. The cuts should lower the city's budget by $1.2 billion." The letter also says, "The target can be met by reductions in personal service costs or other than personal service costs and/or assured, recurring revenue actions."

At first, it seemed like budgetary reasons would prevent El Museo del Barrio from having three camels—as well as sheep—for its 32nd Annual Three Kings Day Parade. Renting the animals would have cost $3,500, money the museum decided would better be put towards programming. But in a New Year's miracle, WCBS 880 reports the city's Office of Immigrant Affairs "secured a donation from Atlantis Management Group, which develops gas stations and Dunkin' Donuts shops," which has helped bring the baa back into the parade. Residents also chipped in for the rental fee to make sure the kings get to bring the gold, frankincense and myrrh in style. The Three Kings Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. at 106th Street & Third Avenue; the route goes up Third, across 116th, down Lexington and will ultimately end 115th & Park (PDF with details).

Mayor Bloomberg wants city residents--and his agency commissioners--to know they need to get on board with some tax hikes and slashing budgets! The Mayor reiterated that property taxes will go up yesterday, "We will raise property taxes back to the level they were a year and a half ago next June. In other words, the 7 percent reduction will just be put back in." As for any city commissioners who might feel aggrieved about cutting their budgets, Bloomberg--who also praised them for being "as good a group as anyone's put together"--said they need to "suck it up and get back to work, because that's the job and they’re going to have to do it.” So there!