Finally! Budget Forecast Improves

10 TV: The city's budget gap is shrinking dramatically, Columbus' director of finance said Wednesday. Joel Taylor said that the $16 million gap lowered for several reasons, including cutting police and fire overtime, not replacing city vehicles, and implementing five-day furloughs for city workers. Failing gas prices also helped, Taylor said. The city has spent less than they budgeted.

The cuts add up to $4.5 million. Instead of depleting the entire rainy day fund, all $5 million will be left, Taylor said. "It's certainly nice to see that the mayor's efforts to control spending are successful," Taylor said. "It doesn't change the fact that Columbus, like just about every other big city in this country, is facing very serious challenges."