Fiscal Puzzle: Balancing Wilmington’s Budget

The city manager of Wilmington, N.C., proposed a 2012 budget that left a gap of about $7 million between anticipated revenue and spending. To balance the budget, the city must make some difficult choices. Today, you’re in charge. Review the options below and close the gap, keeping in mind that spending less now might mean spending more later, and that your decisions will affect your political popularity.