Trimmed down Tulsa city budget

Tulsa's new mayor says money is tight, but the city is not so poor it can't afford to mow the grass and keep the lights on. <br><br>In presenting a proposed budget for next year, Mayor Bill LaFortune

Thursday, May 2nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa's new mayor says money is tight, but the city is not so poor it can't afford to mow the grass and keep the lights on.

In presenting a proposed budget for next year, Mayor Bill LaFortune says public safety cannot be cut - and to protect it, he'll ask other city employees to take some days off without pay - he says employees suggested it.

If not enough do it voluntarily - LaFortune says some involuntary furloughs might be ordered. The proposed budget for next year is nearly $501-million - $13-million less than the current, pared down budget.

The council has to approve a budget before the new fiscal year starts July 1st.