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Portland’s proposed new municipal budget calls for reducing or slashing a wide range of city services because of rising costs, declining revenues and the downturn in the economy. Now, to help save those services, the city is turning to the community, asking the public to consider making a financial donation earmarked to preserve a valued city service.
Community groups, residents and businesses are encouraged to consider a financial donation to help preserve a number of budget items, according to statement from Nicole Clegg, the city’s communications director.
The city says that budget items available for public-private partnerships include:
The city also is seeking sponsorship opportunities for the 4th of July fireworks (up to $30,000).
“The decision to eliminate or reduce these services was an extremely difficult one driven solely by the difficult economic times the city faces,” City Manager Joe Gray said in a statement. “We welcome the opportunity to partner with local community groups, residents and businesses to preserve these services.”
The $185 million municipal budget that Gray has proposed is $1 million or 0.5 percent higher than the current city budget. It would eliminate 98 positions, including 15 police jobs, 14 firefighters, 15 public works and facilities positions, 16 parks and recreation jobs and 17 health and human services positions.
The city says that one Portland resident, Charles Leary, already has volunteered to donate his federal tax rebate to help preserve services.
Members of the community may visit Volunteer Portland at www.portlandmaine.gov/donations, a web-based initiative designed to allow the people who live and work in the city a chance to give back by volunteering or donating their time, services or financial resources. Specific information regarding service impacts for the proposed budget and ways to donate is available.
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