Video: Houston Budget Shortfall

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HOUSTON, Miss. (AP) – The city of Houston in north Mississippi is looking at a projected deficit of $251,536 in September when the fiscal year ends.

Mayor Stacey Parker tells the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal says the shortfalls are being projected in the city general fund and in the water and sewer budget.

Parker is suggesting the city use a combination of tax and water/sewer rate increases coupled with a reduction in city services.

Parker says the city needs a sustained $200,000 increase in annual water/sewer revenue to sustain current needs. He says a tax increase of 3 mills would raise $75,000

Parker has proposed the city stop picking up limbs, leaves and rubbish as one cost-cutting measure. He also says the city could go from twice-a-week garbage pickup to once-a-week.