Mayor pushes for $100,000 cut to Barre budget | News & Observer

The mayor of the Vermont city of Barre has called for a $100,000 cut to the proposed $12.1 million spending proposal.

The Times Argus reports Mayor Thomas Lauzon said he had asked City Manager Steve Mackenzie to slim the budget down during a city council meeting Tuesday. Lauzon didn't elaborate on specific cuts but said the reduction was necessary.

The mayor says he hopes to lower the 3.17 percent tax increase to a little over 2 percent. Lauzon says his proposed increase would match Social Security benefits.

Lauzon also says a citizen-authorized bond may work for the city's pool upgrade. He had initially rejected the plan.

Councilors plan to discuss the spending proposal along with the pool renovation project during the next two meetings.