By John Durkee
Tulsa, OK – After several hours of debate, the Tulsa City Council approves the budget as presented by Mayor Taylor.
The new city spending plan calls for eight furlough days for all city employees as a way to save money. The budget is some $18-million less than last year's because of a major drop in sales tax revenues caused by the recession. The furlough days will be grouped around holidays.
The council heard from the Mayor, the police and fire chiefs and members of the rank and file. They spoke in opposition to a plan from City Councilor Bill Martinson which called for lay-offs in the police and fire department. He was seeking a 20% cut on top of the money already cut by Mayor Taylor.His proposal was rejected by the rest of the council.
The new Tulsa City budget will go into effect on July 1st.