Will tax freeze lead to levy?
Fontana: Has pledged to hold the line, which is going to hurt
"Delivering a second straight tax freeze for Londoners could trigger some tough political decisions, including funding for programs that support thousands of the city's poorest.
Widespread projected belt-tightening appears set to fall especially hard on London's social-housing program, for which a 7% budget hike had been sought for 2012.
The budget targets, which politicians will debate next week, also suggest transit-fare hikes, activity-fee increases and arts-funding cuts may be needed to deliver the second of four freezes Mayor Joe Fontana has promised. "There's no question the second year (tax freeze) is going to be tougher than the first," said Coun. Bud Polhill."
