Police chief sends letters to local event organizers asking for thousands of dollars.
(MOBILE, Ala.) - The budget crisis in Mobile could put the city's Mardi Gras parades in jeopardy.
Mardi Gras organizations have received a letter, leaving many wondering if they can afford to take part.
"The important thing for the organizations is not to panic," Mobile police chief Michael Williams said.
Some Mobile Mardi Gras krewes are shaking their heads at the letter. The police chief's letter was sent to all event chairmen in the city. Is says "effective June 1, due to budget shortfalls, any future services (police) provide organizations must be charged 100 percent."
"I would break my heart," a masked reveler said. "I look forward to Fat Tuesday and Joe Cain Day and the whole week!"
How much would a parading society have to pay for police at a parade: $25,000.
Williams says it cannot be helped; he's already cut his department to the bone.
"We cut $100,000 out of the last Mardi Gras budget by changing the hours of the officers or eliminating some of the overtime. We've cut everything that we can cut within our budget. We've eliminated the fat from our operating expenses," Williams said.
But, revelers say they have made cuts too. "I know some ladies who are having to step down because of finances right now," the masked lady says. "I'm afraid if we have to pay more I'm afraid we'll lose more."
The head of one Mardi Gras organization says they already pay for Mardi Gras costs. "We rent the auditorium, we throw the ball, we rent the tux and we buy the beads." He says there has to be some middle ground to pay for Mardi Gras.
Though the letter is simple and direct, the Chief seems to think he can work something out. "We just want the organizations presidents and CEO's to know if our budget crisis deepens, they may have to give up to 100 percent of what it costs us to put on their organization's safety needs."
Mobile mayor Sam Jones is touting a one-cent increase in the city sales tax as the solution to the budget problem. The city council has yet to agree on a definite plan of action.
