It is budget crunching time down at City Hall. The current budget planning process will be an expecially difficult one because money is very tight for next year. A tax increase will probably be forthcoming, I can see no way around it. This morning's N&R points out three areas that will likely dictate an increase unless some existing services are drastically curtailed - this is not likely with the current Council.
We need more police officers on the street and I, for one, am willing to pay for them. If you have had to call upon the police for any reason within the past year, you too will be supporting an expanded police force I imagine. If you haven't needed the police lately take my word for it - they need more help.
Garbage fees will rise because of the decision to close White Street Landfill for household waste. Shipping garbage out of state is simply more expensive than throwing it in your own backyard.
Through the referendum last fall on the new downtown stadium, the voters indicated they are willing to foot the entire bill for the operation of War Memorial Stadium after minor league baseball has moved out. It is now time to put your money and support where your mouth's are. The article points out the initial tax payer cost for that decision:
"War Memorial Stadium: Parks and Recreation Department officials have asked for a half-million dollar addition to their budget to help maintain the city-owned baseball stadium.
Once the minor-league Greensboro Bats finish their season this fall and move into a new privately-financed stadium downtown, the city will be responsible for maintaining the field. City officials have promised to keep the historic structure as a venue for collegiate and amateur baseball games."
The next time someone offers you a "free stadium"... look deeper. In the meantime, you need to step up to the plate on this one, Greensboro - it was your decision.
7:59:52 AM 
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