Dean To Roll Out Budget

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will release his proposed budget tomorrow. Although he’s asked most Metro departments to trim spending, many have asked for more dollars.

One by one, department heads have made their cases to Dean in budget hearings over the last month. For the most part, the Mayor has kept his cards close to his chest. But he’s already told Metro School officials they likely won’t receive the $44 million in additional funding they asked for.

Other departments are also looking for more money in the next fiscal year. These include the library system, which wants to open all branches on Mondays.

Meanwhile, other agencies are learning to make do with fewer workers, after nearly 500 took buyouts offered by the city.

The Metro Hospital Authority is looking for ways to keep patients while becoming financially stable. After years of losses, the authority and the mayor are considering a sale of its assisted living and nursing facilities.

Mayor Dean has said there will be no property tax increase in his next budget. Metro Council approved a hike last year, but Dean says revenue continues to be tight.