The Tucson City Council approved tax increase and job cuts on Tuesday night when they voted to tentatively adopt the budget. After months of planning and tweaking the Fiscal Year 2016/17 Recommended Budget, the Mayor and Council adopted the $1 billion plan.
City Manager Michael Ortega formally submitted the budget last month.
The budget includes the elimination of over 250 full-time jobs, and a $2 increase in the hotel room tax.
Residents will probably see an increase in utility costs due to the proposed public utility tax increase. Utilities pay the tax to the City, and in turn the utility companies will eventually pass the increase onto consumers.
It that was not enough, residents will also incur a small property tax increase.
Another meeting and public hearing will be held June 7 prior to final budget adoption.
The Council also approved the lease of the Tucson Convention Center for Arizona Coyotes Hockey team.