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Iorio Says Recent Budget Cuts Won't Hurt Neighborhoods

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By MARK HOLAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 10, 2008

PORT TAMPA - Mayor Pam Iorio Tuesday night said neighborhoods won't feel the pinch of smaller city government caused by the economic downturn.

"We are not cutting critical services," Iorio said during a town hall meeting at Westshore Elementary School.

She said the city won't cut police officers and she vowed to hire firefighters.

This year, the city cut its $761 million budget by $20 million, in part through layoffs. About $16 million is expected to be trimmed from next year's budget, which is due in August.

Iorio said the city has taken the time "to plan and adapt" to having less revenue.

"The city of Tampa is not in any crisis mode," she said. "When the budget is passed, it will be trimmed down, but I don't think you are going to feel the effects."

In other business, Iorio promised to convene a special meeting about the widening of Gandy Boulevard. The $20 million project, which includes adding a landscaped median between Gandy Bridge and South Dale Mabry Highway, is snarling South Tampa traffic, a sore point for many residents.

The meeting would bring together officials from the city, Florida Department of Transportation, and Hillsborough and Pinellas countiesand neighborhood leaders to discuss the road's future.

Iorio said she would call the meeting within a few months. The road work is expected to last about two years.

About two dozen residents attended the event.
Port Tampa residents were assured they are next in line for the city's automated trash service, and Iorio repeated her opposition to ending twice-weekly collections.

Reporter Mark Holan can be reached at (813) 835-2102 or mholan@tampatrib.com.

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