Gainesville tax hike still likely

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville City Council wrapped up its budget reviews Thursday for the FY 2011 budget; a property tax increase still appears likely.

Two of the city's biggest departments, public utilities and public works, are asking for more money, and add in fire fighter salaries. A 2.5-percent mileage hike is projected, but City Manager Kip Padgett is not sure how much it may be right now; he wants to 'crunch the numbers'.

Public Utilities is posting a 6.9 percent increase citing increased operating costs and debt service. Public Works posted an eight percent budget hike for FY 2011 due largely to fee increases and capital outlay needs including two new garbage trucks.

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