Cities In Crisis

Here are just two stories about the fiscal problems facing cities and states across the country, it will get much worse in the months to come.-Lou

Mayor Nutter: Courts May Face 'Virtual Shutdown'

Philadelphia AP-Philadelphia's court system will face a "virtual shutdown" if the cash-strapped citycity does not get state approval for a sales tax increase and changes to how it makes its pension payments.

That's according to Mayor Michael Nutter and court officials at a news conference Wednesday.Philadelphia is facing a $1.4 billion five-year budget deficit.The city has asked the state to approve a temporary sales tax increase in Philadelphia and allow changes to how the city makes its pension payments.

Without those changes, Nutter says nearly 1,000 police officers and 200 firefighters would be cut.District Attorney Lynne Abraham says her office and others would face devastating cuts, too.In Harrisburg, a state legislative leader says he hopes to have a bill ready for a vote next week.

City Government Closed For Business Today

The City of Chicago is basically closed for business on Aug. 17, a reduced-service day in which most city employees are off without pay. City Hall, public libraries, health clinics and most city offices will be closed. Emergency service providers including police, firefighters and paramedics are working at full strength, but most services not directly related to public safety, including street sweeping, will not be provided.

That also includes garbage pickup. Residents who receive regular collection on Mondays should expect trash to be picked up on Tuesday. Some other customers may experience a one-day delay as collectors catch up.

As part of the 2009 budget, three reduced-service days were planned for 2009, days which are unpaid for all affected employees -- the Friday after Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve; and New Year's Eve. The City Council recently approved moving the reduced-service day planned for New Year's Eve to Monday.