Dallas likely to make cuts and layoffs to offset $190 million budget deficit

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Dallas is looking at a deficit in the city budget of $190 million, and appears likely to cut programs and lay off 350 employees.

This confusing story actually says the deficit is only $100 million. However, that $100 million figure is calculated on the assumption that the city will definitely make the cuts and do the layoffs. The story basically serves as a platform for City Manager Mary Suhm to wring her hands over the "painful proposal" she'll be making to the city on Wednesday. Poor Mary.

And as long as we're picking apart this lame story, it quotes Suhm as saying that "Many of these cuts are manageable in a short term." A short term? Isn't it supposed to be THE short term? Manageable in THE short term? It's not a big deal but it's still wrong.

Speaking of lame vs. good coverage of City Hall, bummer that DMN crack reporter Dave Levinthal is leaving Dallas and moving to Washington D.C. where his wife got a job. He'll be in Dallas "possibly until August", according to a note he sent out to coworkers.

Posted by T.G.