Money's tight in Great Falls and that means taxes could go up. At last night’s City Commission work session, City Manager Greg Doyon proposed a $96.5 million budget for the 2009 fiscal year. Taxes could se an increase of more than $16 next year for a taxpayer with a home valued at one hundred thousand dollars. But Doyon suggested cutting several things including the DARE program offered to 5th graders and Law Related Education in high schools to save money. Also the Great Falls Police Department may loose officers even though they asked to add some. The city may ask voters to approve a special safety levy for police and fire protection in 2009 or later.

This year the Fourth of July Fireworks display will go on as planned, but the 2009 show could be dark. Friday's fireworks will cost the city $15,000 a cost they can't afford with a tight budget. The city also has concerns about its two golf courses. Although golf revenues appear to be improving, they are not where they need to be. If revenues don't continue to increase, one of the city courses could be closed next year. A public hearing on the budget will be held at 7 p.m. July 15. Final commission action on the budget may come that night or at a later meeting in August.