Louisville is again looking at budget cuts, this time to make up for a major revenue hit from the recent closure of Sam’s Club.
At a Tuesday retreat, the Louisville City Council talked about the negative impact of Sam’s Club’s January closure — and future revenues that will be generated from ConocoPhillips. The city is considering at least $250,000 in cuts — and possibly $350,000 to $400,000 — to keep its budget strong.
Reductions up for discussion include closing the library either one day a week or for a full week during a slow time, furlough days for employees and eliminating special transit services. Cutting back on community events, like the Fourth of July celebration, also is on the table. Closing Memory Square Pool is also a possibility.
Louisville Finance Director Kevin Watson said Sam’s Club tax revenue contributed about $500,000 to the city’s general fund, along with $250,000 to the capital projects fund. He’s expecting to see a new retailer fill that 127,000-square-foot spot at 550 S. McCaslin Blvd. by 2011, but cautiously prepared his budget as if another major retailer would close.
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