Tulsa City Council approves its 'own' budget plan

The Tulsa City Council has adopted "its" budget plan. At the same time, they're rejecting the mayor's proposal, which included across-the-board pay cuts for city employees, as well as layoffs.

Friday, December 14th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Tulsa City Council has adopted "its" budget plan. At the same time, they're rejecting the mayor's proposal, which included across-the-board pay cuts for city employees, as well as layoffs.

The city is battling an $11-million budget shortfall. The council wants to make up the deficit 3 ways. They'll take $4.3-million from last year's surplus. And they expect to save $3.6-million with a hiring freeze. The biggest difference between the council's plan and the mayor's, a$4.4-million, across the board cut in materials and supplies.

But, the rush to quickly get the plan into action, made others wonder if they were doing the right thing. Tulsa City Councilor Gary Watts, "Turning off the half the expressway lights, you know we could get real dramatic about that and somebody may have a fatal accident as a result of reduced visibility."

The council plan did pass Thursday night with a two-thirds majority.