Associated Press - October 21, 2009 2:24 PM ET
CHICAGO (AP) - Several Chicago aldermen say they don't like Mayor Richard Daley's proposed budget plan to borrow more than $350 million from the parking meter lease, but in tough economic times there aren't many options.
Alderman Leslie Hairston says the parking lease money will help close the estimated $520 million deficit. But she says the city has to find ways of generating revenue.
For example, she says charging a minimal entrance fee of 50 cents or $1 for the food festival Taste of Chicago or Independence Day fireworks displays could help.
Alderman Toni Preckwinkle says borrowing the money from reserves means there has to be a concrete plan to pay it back.
Daley proposed a $6.14 billion 2010 budget today, up from $5.97 billion this year.
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