To the editor:

Does the city need money? Anyone trying to keep within a budget in Lawrence knows the answer is yes. The estimated $12 million to $13 million increase in revenue will not go far, though, when we have as many streets, sidewalks and curbs in need of repair as we do. It will barely dent one-third of our streets in need of replacement.

Add the cost of replacing fire, police and emergency services equipment with the anticipated wage/benefits increase for city workers, and the money is disappearing fast. Factor in a 10 percent increase in fuel costs, and the 2008 budget is a red-ink nightmare. Some will complain about unfunded federal requirements of the city, but we have done a good job of creating mandates that we can’t afford.

Is this the best way to increase the city’s revenue? Maybe, maybe not. The city only has two main revenue streams. My mortgage statement informed me that our payment went up $50 per for taxes.

The new makeup of the City Commission has very difficult and painful decisions to make for the 2008 budget. There will be a few groups unhappy about the level of support they receive from the city, but many of those folks helped create the tax base situation we find ourselves in.

The City Commission should forgo new amenities (the library and sports facility) and concentrate on the basic needs of the city until we can actually afford to build and maintain them. Any new project should be up to the vote of the people, although less than 20 percent of voters care.

Ken Meyer, Lawrence