Hollywood Commission Discusses Raising Taxes, Fire Fee

HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) –The City of Hollywood is trying to dig out of a budget hole that keeps getting bigger. The newest estimate: $38 million.

"We're trying to balance the damage done so that everyone is paying their fair share," said Hollywood Mayor Peter Bober.

Most of the money will come from city employees through salary reductions and even health care changes.

The mayor says the city needs the cash.

"We still have to provide very high level of service, we still have to have police officers, we still have to have clean beaches and parks that are cleaned up after," said Mayor Bober.

Residents will feel the pinch too. If the city's plan is approved in September, homeowners could face an 11 percent increase in millage rates and fire fees.

"I think the public is understanding that this is a shared sacrifice. I think that the employees have given significantly, and that it's also fair that the property owners also be part of that equation," said Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, Hollywood's interim city manager.

"They're going to push us out of our homes. We won't be able to live there," said Helen Chervin, who has lived in Hollywood for 32 years. "Get ahold of the fat cat, and start trimming! There's more to be trimmed and it should start right here in management, not coming after the people and raising their taxes."

"We keep getting beaten up and it's not fair to the residents," said Cliff Germano, another resident.

City leaders will discuss the budget some more on Monday during a special meeting. They say they hope to hear other ideas about how to control the budget.