BRIDGEPORT - Mayor Bill Finch on Tuesday proposed a 2008-09 city budget that lays off 90 workers, imposes a hefty tax increase and calls for cutbacks at libraries and school health clinics.

CT Post Finch's proposed spending package for the fiscal year starting July 1 stands at $491 million, a roughly $21 million increase over this year's budget. The tax rate would rise 9 percent, from 41.28 mills to 44.98 mills, a 3.7-mill increase. For a home assessed at $200,000, that means an annual tax increase of $740. Taxes are calculated by multiplying the mill rate against every $1,000 in assessed valuation.

The proposed budget calls for laying off 90 workers and not filling 20 other open positions. One-third of the library staff would be laid off and city funding for school health clinics would be drastically reduced, along with funding cuts to school nursing and dental hygiene programs.

About 1,500 people work for the city and another 2,400 work for the public schools.

"The challenges we face are very serious. Tough times require tough measures, and that's what this budget does. We are tightening our belt just like everyone else in Bridgeport," Finch said during a meeting with the Connecticut Post editorial board.

...

To achieve his proposed mill rate, Finch said he would quickly begin laying off 90 employees, including one-third of the city's library staff, or 25 workers. In all, 110 jobs would be eliminated, with 20 positions cut by not filling vacancies.

Unions will also be asked to give back one week's vacation, and Finch said he will insist on major changes in health-care benefits, bumping rights and the number of workers assigned city cars. All three issues are controlled by union contracts.

He warned failure to go along with his recommended cuts in benefits would mean more layoffs.

"If there are not concessions, there will be more layoffs," the mayor vowed.

Reaction to the budget was anything but enthusiastic.

"It's not being well received at all," said City Council member Robert Curwen, D-138, the chairman of the council's Budget and Appropriations Committee.

"There is concern about the layoffs. But I need to read the document and see where he wants to go," Curwen said.

...

Still, school spending overall would increase by $9 million, including $1 million more from the city and the rest expected from the state. City spending would rise $12 million, mostly to fund health-care and retirement benefits.

Finch said the major issues facing the city, aside from too much reliance on one-time revenues, is rising costs of energy and health care.

...

The proposed 2008-09 budget does not tap the fund balance for more money. A healthy fund balance is a critical factor to bond rating agencies, which determine the cost of borrowing. A low fund balance would force the city to sell its bonds at higher interest rates.

...

Finch said he takes no joy in the layoffs and program cuts he's proposing. "It's lousy to not fund libraries. But you can't fund everything. I will take the accolades and the punishment for this. This is what we think we can afford," he said.

"We are getting back to basics, police, fire and education. We will not try to be all things to all people. Libraries are not essential services. We tax poor and working-class people to pay for things that the state and federal government should pay for," Finch said.

Read the Full Story . .