The proposal would redirect $11 million to pay for capital projects in cash — a move that would increase the city’s borrowing costs in the long run — and reduce an increase in spending on community mental health services by $4 million, among other cuts. A vote is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
The jostling over the advertising tax followed tensions at the council over the first budget since the Great Recession where officials had to make cuts. Legislators who are used to flush revenue have less money to work with, and are facing more demands to provide relief for residents and businesses struggling under pandemic and economic turmoil.
