Pottsville Officials Struggle With Budget Shortfall--Lay-offs Possible

Pottsville, Schuylkill County--  Mayor John Reilly says raising property taxes is not an option he wants to use when balancing the budget for 2013..Reilly told Eyewitness News today, "We can raise taxes but that means we will be in the same situation next year.We have to have real cuts in our expenses not hikes i taxes." Pottsville is considering laying off three police officers, a D.P.W employee and a tax office clerk to make up of for a $375,000 shortfall. The Mayor and his staff will meet with employee unions this week and next to talk about cutting healthcare costs and pensions expenses. Residents we spoke with say they fear laying off police officers. Debbie Jordan said, "I don't think that s a good thing with the way we have seen crime rates going up." Her husband Phillip echoed her remarks, "I think we need the cops for the safety aspect."   Scott Greis owns two business downtown and added, "I know we have a safe center city but lets keep it that way and keep the police where they belong on the street."  Pottsville must approve a budget by December 29.