Blair Best: I also caught up with city councilor Eric Zimmer, he’s the chair of the Finance Committee. He had some strong words about these potential cuts that are now up for debate.
Councilor Zimmerman: Ultimately Portland doesn’t have a budget problem, we have a priorities problem. When you look at that document, it’s a little bit alarming that we have these types of cuts being proposed.
Today, Portland City Administrator Michael Jordan released his proposal for addressing the $93 million shortfall in the city's general fund. The plan includes cuts throughout city departments, and proposes cutting over 270 jobs. While a number of those jobs may be currently unfilled, they're focused within the city's transportation and permitting departments — both areas which are generally self-funded, but also face declining revenues from things like parking fees and permits. And even with all of Jordan's suggestions, his plan covers less than half of the full $93 million general fund gap; meaning the mayor and city council have a grim task ahead of them over the coming months.
Watch the full video here.
Credit: The Story on KGW