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August 20, 2009
TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA:
In accordance with the August 18, 2009 letter from PICA, I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable Body a revised Five Year Plan and the following resolution:
"A RESOLUTION
Providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2010 through 2014, and incorporating proposed changes with respect to Fiscal Year 2009, which is to be submitted by the Mayor to the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (the "Authority") pursuant to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement, authorized by an ordinance of this Council approved by the Mayor on January 3, 1992 (Bill No. 1563-A), by and between the City and the Authority."
This revised Fiscal Year 2010-2014 financial plan details the cuts the City will need to implement without approval of HB 1828, the state measure containing authorization of a 1% increase in the local sales tax for five years and changes to the City's pension payments. These two fiscal tools would provide the City with $230 million in savings and new revenue in FY10 and a total of $700 million over the life of our five-year plan.
Unfortunately, HB 1828 has not been enacted within the timeframe established by PICA. Therefore, PICA has disapproved our plan and requested submission of a revised plan which details how the City will fill this gap.
I never thought that I would have to submit a plan this devastating to the City and region.
This revised plan will require eliminating nearly 1000 police and 200 fire positions, reducing trash collection from weekly to twice a month, ceasing operations at two health centers and closing entire service departments, including Parks, Recreation, Libraries, Planning and Commerce. In total, more than 3000 positions will be cut. In addition, the City will c...
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