Nutter's Budget Plan Includes Soda, Trash Fees

No cuts planned for libraries or recreation

A tax on soda and other sugary beverages and a trash collection fee are necessary to prevent cutting Philadelphia’s city services, Mayor Michael Nutter said.

Nutter formally presented his $3.9 billion budget for 2011 to city council on Thursday, telling them “nothing worth having in life is free.”

The mayor is seeking approval of a two-cents-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks and a $300 yearly trash fee that would combine to raise about $185 million dollars annually.

The revenue is necessary to keep libraries, recreation centers and other services running, the mayor said.

A year ago Nutter faced scathing criticism over his effort to close down such services amid a budget crunch.

The first-term Democrat said the new levies could also increase or restore other services.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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