Dallas Shortfalls Loom

City manager Mary Suhm said last week that Dallas could have a $41.5 million revenue shortfall in fiscal 2009, which ends Sept. 1. She said the shortfall in fiscal 2010 could be as much as $100 million, although no definite amount was available.

Sales tax revenues are projected to be $20.3 million less than budgeted this year, Suhm said in a memo to the City Council, and Dallas also will earn $2.8 million less than projected in interest.

Other revenue sources that are expected to weaken include property taxes, municipal court fines, red-light camera fines, private disposal fees, the sale of surplus city property, and revenue from the sale of recyclable paper and cardboard.

The city has already cut some departmental budgets, but Suhm said more reductions may be necessary.

There was some good news in the budget memo. Suhm said the city will save $12.9 million in fiscal 2009 because fuel prices are below earlier estimates.

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