How come we can not simply borrow the money we need to get through the fiscal year?
Cities and towns are not permitted to borrow funds to meet unfunded general operating expenditures. The only way a city or town could receive any such assistance would be via special state legislation that would require the approval of the Department of Revenue and include the formation of a financial control board. In all likelihood, even if such a move were to be pursued, the state would likely require that the contemplated reductions take place.
