As city tightens belt, services sqeezed

MUNCIE, Ind. (WISH) - Muncie, like other cities, relies heavily on property tax revenue to fund services. A recent study determined Muncie stands to lose between $3.5 and $4.5 million next year due to the statewide property tax cap. An even worse picture is projected for 2010.
 

Eric Wilson is Muncie’s fire chief.

"We’re in dire straits financially," said Wilson. "We’ve given concessions after concessions. They’ve cut all fat, down to personnel only."

And Muncie firefighters have been busy. Just Wednesday they responded to a fire inside a large dorm at Ball State University. The chief says they can’t simply cut back their response.

"Have to have full response when you do those things," said Wilson.

City leaders were tough to track down Thursday because they’re in the middle of an annexation trial. But 24-Hour News 8 did get to speak with Mayor Sharon McShurley, who is facing two big financial challenges: less revenue coming in from gas and cigarette taxes and less revenue from property taxes.

"We’re going to move snow. It may not get done as quickly, it may take longer to get accomplished, but it still takes place. As far as police and fire services, we’ll still be providing police and fire it may be a little different than the service from before," said Mayor McShurley.