"We urge you to not cut these departments it would be balancing the budget on the back of the communities..."

It's a daunting task...Make enough cuts to balance a budget while sales tax revenue is down.
The mayor and the city council have made recommendations for next year's budget, tonight the city had the chance to sound off on some of the more controversial cuts.

"Here is my concern, cutting this many positions will have a detrimental effect on the ability of city departments to deliver the services citizens come to expect," said one citizen about one of the top debates, the elimination of city jobs.

The mayor proposed cutting the equivalent of 8 full time positions, the city council upped that number to 18. Among those positions talked about, a traffic engineer and two positions in urban development.

"We urge you to preserve and protect the vital positions that can create jobs in the city."

City employees also had concerns that some of their benefits may be lost. And the Parks and Rec Department fears they won't have enough funds for normal operating costs under the budget. On top of that the council is recommending a decrease in maintenance in several areas of the city.

And while many hope this years cash constraints will be temporary some fear it may be just the beginning.

"I don't know if we can pull the wool over our eyes and say the sales tax is a one year blip," says Council member Jon Camp.

Camp's fears are felt by many.
Along with some big ticket cuts the council has also built in smaller changes that really amount to tightening the belts in each department.
The council is recommending overtime restrictions and doesn't want to buy any new vehicles next year.
The council is scheduled to vote on budget changes Wednesday and is scheduled to adopt the budget on August 21st.