New York City Independent Budget Office is asking the city to consider using everything from green taxis to red lights to deal with future budget shortfalls.
In its report released Thursday, entitled "
"We are releasing this new edition of 'Budget Options for New York City' at a time when the city faces an unusual degree of fiscal uncertainty," IBO Director Ronnie Lowenstein said in a press release. "The new administration in Washington is proposing substantial cuts in federal aid to New York at the same time local economic growth has slowed, and along with it tax collections. Given these challenges, our compendium of budget options can help New Yorkers and their elected officials consider a wide range of measures for addressing the budget shortfalls that may arise."
Of the 90 options listed, nine are new and have not been previously discussed, five of which would cut city spending and four would raise revenue.
The new options along with their first year budget effect are:
- Replace selected MTA bus company service with green taxis ($20 million);
- Divert an additional 10% of paratransit trips to taxis ($13 million);
- Co-locate new charter schools in education department buildings ($14 million);
- Use e-learning when high school teachers are absent for just a few days ($9 million);
- Consolidate federal and state elections ($10 million);
- Repeal city's sales tax exemption on interior decorating and design services ($20 million);
- Increase fines on drivers for repeated speed and red-light camera violations ($5 million);
- Increase license fees and regulations for sightseeing buses ($2 million); and
- Start fining drivers for idling violations without first providing a warning ($1 million).
"In addition to their effect on the city's budget, many of the options have the potential to improve efficiency and equity in city spending and revenue collection," Lowenstein said.
