No projected deficit in Mobile?

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile city leaders have been going back and forth for months trying to nail down a number for a 2013 projected budget deficit. Thursday, some members of a city council appointed Citizens Advisory Committee said there might not be a deficit at all.

Members of the committee said they have not officially come to a conclusion that there is no deficit, but they have been talking about it.

The mayor has said the projected deficit is close to $29 million.

In June, Finance Director Barbara Malkove said it’s closer to $14 million.

Citizens Advisory Committee member John Thompson said Mobile may not be in danger of facing a deficit.

Another member of the committee, City Councilman Fred Richardson said he doesn't agree.

"We have collected $25 million less than last year. And if we stay in the same path, at this time next year, it will be $25 million again. You don't really have to call in Einstein. You don't need a scientist," said Richardson.

Mayor Sam Jones has recommended a one percent increase in sales tax to cover the shortfall. He’s said if the increase isn’t passed some city services might be in jeopardy.

Thompson said they have been running the numbers and have found ways to cut some areas of the budget without raising taxes or cutting vital services like police and fire.

"What some people are saying is, we can offset that by not doing this or not doing that. Yea, we can close city hall and not have a deficit too," said Richardson.

It’s ultimately up to the mayor and the city council which have been trying to balance the budget for months.

Richardson said all of the back and forth is bad for business, namely Airbus.

"There had been bickering among this council that the people all the way in France are saying, based on what we are reading about, ‘We don't trust them.’ We don't need to send that message to anyone else," said Richardson.

The committee will reconvene Friday, and we will have to wait on the final word for when they present their findings to the city council.