Council OKs $1.8 billion budget, hundreds of layoffs

The Houston City Council has approved a $1.8 billion budget but with more than 700 layoffs and less working hours at the library. There would be tax hikes. Mayor Annise Parker wanted to focus on a huge budget deficit caused largely by decreasing revenues and rising pension obligations. She wanted to balance the budget without any tax increase. The budget calls for less spending next financial year. She also said that the financial situation was likely to remain challenging.

Read the full article here:
Council OKs $1.8 billion budget, hundreds of layoffs – Houston Chronicle