City Deficit Weighs Heavy On San Francisco Mayor Lee's Mind

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— While San Francisco's Mayor Ed Lee spent his Thanksgiving morning serving meals at Glide Memorial Church, he talked of more anticipated upcoming cuts because of another deficit year.

Mayor Lee is in the early stages of working on the budget for the fiscal year starting in July, but he's anticipating a lot of bad news.

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

"It's hovering around another $300 million and that does not count the cuts that might come from the feds and the state. We have to watch out for that," he said referring to the state's expected mid-December announcement of trigger cuts since the state failed to bring in revenues expected when its budget was passed.

"I think it's going to hurt the city in areas of social service in particular and education for certain," he added.

Incoming sheriff and current Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi said the fact that they've tackled larger deficits of $500 million a year or more in the past four years leaves him optimistic.

"I think in anything, especially a city budget of $6.8 billion, there's probably ample room for trimming. That's of course where the negotiations and debate lie," Mirkarimi weighed in.

In the meantime, Mayor Lee said he's been meeting with non-profit groups and will hold town hall meetings throughout the city in the coming months to discuss where the needs are the greatest.

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