http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/springfiel_984.mp3
The Springfield City Council made its last recommendations today on how the city can cut 5.2 million dollars from its budget. Council members say the cuts are necessary to support the police and fire retirement system, but the city may not be able to support the system for much longer. KSMU's Jana Greer reports.
For the last 45 days the Springfield City Council has been going back and forth on the 2008-2009 city budget. They've been deciding what should stay and what to cut. Gary Deaver is the Mayor Pro Tem for Springfield. He says making cuts hasn't been easy.
To support the police and fire retirement system, the city council had to make 5.2 million dollars in cuts. The most significant reduction came from eliminating staff, nearly 37 positions, almost half of them being police officers. Deaver says the city can't continue to support the retirement system year after year.
The Springfield City Council will hold a meeting Monday night at seven to allow the public to give input about the budget. You can review the entire city budget by using the link at KSMU.org.
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