City Bracing for State Budget's Impact

"Shared sacrifice" has become something of a buzzword the last few weeks, as Wisconsin's budget situation has exploded onto the national scene.

How (and whether) that applies to Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposals has been hotly debated.

But Oak Creek Mayor Dick Bolender is echoing similar themes when it comes to Walker's budget proposal, which was released today and includes a .

"The state of Wisconsin has no money. They’re busted," Bolender said.

The exact impact to Oak Creek wasn't known Tuesday, but city officials know the losses will be big and that tough decisions lie ahead.

The city doesn't want to see anyone lose their job or cut services to residents, Bolender said. With the decrease in state aid, the city will "have to figure out a new way to pay for them."

There will be no "magic wand" making that happen, so everyone will have to work together and pitch in, Bolender said.

City officials don't know exactly what will happen next or how the loss of aid will be made up.

It could include city employees absorbing some of the blow, and Oak Creek's two-year streak of a zero-percent increase in the property tax levy might also be in jeopardy.