So, it's looking like tomorrow's City Council meeting is going to be one to remember. As I write this, Commissioner Ivins is sweating over his proposed 2009 budget, which will include numerous cuts.

Cuts are always a tough pill to swallow, especially in a town like Saratoga Springs, where we residents expect a lot of government services.

One drama that's sure to play out tomorrow and over the seven-ish weeks between now and when the council is required to pass a budget, on Nov. 30, is the commissioners and the Mayor arguing over whose department provides a more vital service. The Department of Public Works and the Department of Public Safety are the two largest departments, in terms of both number of employees and budget. Therefore, the two departments have the most to cut.

However, I think it's safe to assume that both Commissioner Scirocco and Commissioner Kim will argue that their department's employees are essential to the city's well-being (economic, safety, etc...). And, as far as I can tell, they both have a point. But, of course, we can't have it all, and one thing that voters ALWAYS want is the lowest tax raise possible.

Here's another wrinkle: in Saratoga, where we elect our government to two year terms, an election is always right around the corner, and nothing says "re-election" better than a low tax rate.

So, as I see it, we kick off budget season with a tug of war: On one side, Ken Ivins' desire to keep taxes low (to aide his possible re-election campaign AND to help out tax payers, many of whom need the help right now). On the other side, the desire on the part of the city to maintain -- and even expand -- city services.

We can't have it both ways, we'll have to wait and see who winds up in the mud pit first.