EDITOR,

At the recent City Council meeting (June 1), our mayor indicated that if the city cuts any more, it would be into the bone. That is why the council is thinking of either parcel tax or sales tax increases.

What makes the city different than its citizens? Some of us have cut expenses, dropped medical insurance and even have gone into foreclosure. The citizens are into the bone already. Therefore, the city should now cut into the bone.

Reduce again city, police, and fire employees. Maybe the City Council can do their work without pay. Those on the various commissions should also go without payment. That is, if they are serious in helping the city of Tracy.

The council could delay various capital projects, such as the wayfinding sign system, and move the funds over to the general fund . Delay the projects two or three fiscal years, if possible.

The parcel tax or the sales tax increases must have end dates in order to hope to be approved. Tax increases of any kind seem to stay, even with end dates, because those who received the increase cry that they are still needed. They continue to spend, spend, spend.

Cut into the bone. Show that you, the City Council, are trying everything to save money.

• Editor’s note: Cities cannot use money specifically dedicated to one-time capital projects to pay for general fund or ongoing expenses.