Cities, towns concerned about local aid cuts

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - As economists worry about the looming federal “fiscal cliff,” there are also problems with the state budget.

Governor Deval Patrick wants to cut local aid to cities and towns by 1% to make up for a $540 million mid-year budget gap.

While a 1% reduction may not seem like a lot, that's the equivalent of $320,000 dollars to the city of Springfield alone, according to the Mayor's office.

This funding pays for local services such as public safety. Patrick says he's trying to spread the pain as broadly as possible, but local leaders say city and town services are already thin.

“A couple years ago we had 9 seat cuts which devastated some of our departments, they haven't come back.  DPW was cut, park department was cut; people want the police and fire out there. Further cuts throughout the year they'll eliminate services, and that's something no one wants to happen,” Springfield City Councilor Kateri Walsh said.

Lawmakers will be back on Beacon Hill in January where this proposal will await their attention.