In its last year in office, will the Gainey administration raise taxes amid budget concerns?

Mayor Ed Gainey's administration will release its final preliminary budget proposal on Tuesday, and it appears the mayor will not be asking for a tax increase.

But critics are already worried that he won't go far enough in addressing the city's budget crunch .

Plans to address financial crisis

The city has a fleet of vehicles on its last legs and drastic understaffing, resulting in burnout and runaway overtime. City officials are struggling to find the funds to protect the public's safety and provide basic services.

It is all happening at a time when COVID-19 funding has dried up and Downtown assessments and tax revenues are tanking. Still, the administration is set to announce plans to address these challenges in its final year in office.

Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak isn't saying, bu