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Winter Park mayor wants $500K cut from budget

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Winter Park's mayor is suggesting the city cut $500,000 from its budget, and that has residents wondering which projects could get the ax.
 
While city officials said Winter Park isn't in a financial bind, the mayor said he would still like to cut the budget in order to save some money.
 
"Part of my job, my city manager, is to present you with a balanced budget," Winter Park City Manager Randy Knight told city commissioners at a July meeting as he presented them with a $45.5 million budget proposal.
 
Until they adopt it in September, commissioners have the chance to submit their requests for changes.
 
Only Mayor Ken Bradley has submitted requests for changes.
 
Two other commissioners would have to approve Bradley's requests before they can even research how they'd like to cut money.
 
Channel 9's Deneige Broom asked residents to tell her what programs they hope can avoid any cuts.
 
Deidra Pittman said she hopes programs helping the elderly stay put.
 
"Because the elderly cannot afford to have their homes rehabbed," said Pittman.
 
The budget includes money for quiet zones, which would practically silence blaring trains as they roll through the city. Winter Park is slated to match a $700,000 state grant.
 
That's a project people who live along the tracks, like Georgette Myers, hope doesn't get cut. When Channel 9 talked to her in February about the potential project, she was ecstatic.
 
"Are you kidding me? I would throw a block party if that would happen," said Myers.

Commissioners will discuss the budget again at a meeting next week.