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City Of Winston-Salem Projects $13M Budget Gap

Photo courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem

The City of Winston-Salem is facing a major budget gap due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At a finance committee meeting Monday, Patrice Toney, the city's budget and evaluation director, presented a preview of the outlook for the next fiscal year. It projected a $13.1 million shortfall in the city's general fund budget due in part to a reduction in sales tax revenue. 

Toney suggested a number of ways to close the gap, including eliminating 20 currently vacant positions and postponing raises. 

“I think it's gonna be a challenging year and I hope we can keep everybody employed and not have a tax increase," said councilmember Robert Clark. "If we keep between those two parameters, I think we'll be doing a very good job. "

Winston-Salem is among many local governments contending with financial issues due to the pandemic. Last week, the city of Greensboro projected a $7 million deficit. 

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.

April Laissle is a reporter and WFDD's host of All Things Considered. Her work has been featured on several national news programs and recognized by the Public Media Journalists Association and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Before joining WFDD in 2019, she worked at public radio stations in Ohio and California.

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