By Gary Pitts
Metropolis, IL – The City of Metropolis' finance committee wants to stop financial support to the Massac County government to help balance its budget. The city currently pays the county more $18,000 dollars a month. County Board Chairman Jerel Childers says the effect of such a move would be devastating for the county.
"We'll just have to do some belt tightening more than we have. I really don't know how we can tighten any more. We don't spend any money needlessly. We just pay what we have to pay. I don't know actually at this point what we'll do."
Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel says the city is facing its own budget constraints due to decreased gaming revenues. He says if the economic climate improves, he would not object to helping the county again. The issue is up for vote at next Monday's city council meeting.