A proposed 12 percent tax hike in Long Beach could raise property taxes by about $60 or $70 a month, according to one official.

"Twelve percent is a lot, and property taxes that we pay that are very, very high here in the city of Long Beach," says Legislator Denise Ford, a Republican. "I would like them to go back and try to see if there's a way they can cut this."

Newsday reports the proposed budget will be presented to the City Council on May 1.

City Council's $95 million budget calls for the increase after an earlier proposal that included borrowing $2 million to cover expenses was voted down.

As News 12 has reported, that rejection means the city could run out of money in three weeks. To deal with the money shortfall, the city has announced cuts to bus service and the possibility of layoffs.

"I think there would be other ways to generate capital, so that the general public and working families won't be affected in such a way," says Tesha Hutchison, a city resident.

And many taxpayers say they don't even know where the city's deficit came from.

"I think they're struggling right now," says Kerry Dukes. "I think the change in the city manager was probably helpful, we'll see how he does."