New Haven facing $17M budget deficit

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - A new fiscal year means a new city budget, but with a multi-million dollar gap, the mayor of New Haven says more cuts could be coming.

Taxpayers streamed into City Hall today to pay their tax bills, which are showing an increase of four-percent. Mayor John DeStefano (D) says residents need to brace for more cuts and that they may not get services like they used to.

"I know that there are always increases and you just have to deal with it," said Daniella Ragusa of New Haven.

DeStefano warns that tax dollars aren't enough to keep services as is because of the $17 million budget hole.

"We can't say on Monday we want to lower taxes and then on Tuesday we need more programs and more services. We can't have it both ways," he said.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Reginald Mayo, says he will be looking closely at staffing levels.

"You look very closely at the school administrators who we can do without," he said.

Meanwhile the chief of police, Frank Limon, says he hopes to maintain current patrols.

"It's a challenge, but it's doable," he said.

The city will be asking labor unions for concessions. They also plan on getting state approval to install red light cameras. DeStefano says he will also look to tax exempt properties like the universities and hospitals to start paying for things they don't pay for now, like the storm water fee.

News of the service cuts doesn't sit well with some residents.

"I don't see it. I don't know if we're getting what we pay for," said Jerry Fisher.

"It's time for me to get out of this city and move somewhere else," said Earl of New Haven.

DeStefano says he is also looking to privatize some services, including the cleaning of city buildings.