Lansing mayor Virg Bernero says hes presenting his 2012 fiscal year budget plan with a heavy heart. The city is facing a $20 million budget gap next year. Bernero says this requires a tough and painful response. Hes proposing eliminating 200 positions. One hundred and thirty of these jobs are currently filled. Berneros budget fall particularly hard on the citys public safety department. More than 50 Lansing police officers would be laid off and three fire stations will be closed under Berneros budget. Bernero says he doesnt relish cuts, but with employee costs being the largest part of the citys budget, he has little choice. Bernero says the need for deep spending cuts might be lessened if state revenue sharing is not as deep as proposed by Governor Snyder. He says Lansing voters could help as well if they approve a millage increase on the May 3rd ballot. But Bernero says he has to propose a budget now with the cards the citys been dealt. Bernero says the city has already made all the
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