City of Mesa Budget Cuts

The City of Mesa is looking to make budget cuts after facing a budget shortfall of up to $38 million in fiscal year 2006. As many as 356 city jobs could be eliminated, across all departments, if the city fails to shrink the budget. Price also said that Mesa plans to discontinue financial support of many special events, including its $20,000 contribution to the city's fireworks show. The first municipally-run event to be cancelled is the Mesa Day Miniature Parade, originally scheduled for March 4. The city is asking the community to step in with private funding to ensure that the Cesar Chavez, Cinco de Mayo and other celebrations are not cancelled. The Highland Games at Mesa Community College will go on, as the city's financial commitment to that event is minimal. Support for these events will be revisited when the city's fiscal year 2006-07 budget is finalized. For a list of the 100 plus items listed for possible cuts, visit the city's Web site at: cityofmesa.org