The Winona City Council reluctantly embraced a plan Tuesday to cut city staff and raise property taxes, saying there were few other options to meet budget cuts.

The council discussed the budget plan for the first time since city manager Eric Sorensen proposed it last month.

The plan would cut 12 city positions, including the library director and a liaison officer who works in the public schools, and raise the property tax levy 5 percent. Council members say they don't have many other choices.

"I'm not comfortable with the 5 percent, but we have a city to run," said Councilwoman Debbie White.

The council took no formal action, planning at least one more meeting before voting on the plan. But one councilwoman said she has already made her decision.

"I can't say I'm with you like I was two weeks ago," said Deb Salyards. "I don't want people for a moment to think I will vote for the 5 percent increase. I will not."

Salyards said the council would be sending a bad message to residents if it increases taxes.

"In my opinion we have spent some money foolishly," she said. "And now it's coming back to us."

Other members disagreed.

"We have to start somewhere," White said. "We can't predict what we will be facing in a few months."

Councilman George Borzyskowski said a 2 percent increase would be a better option.

"I'm with you as we go down this road," he said. "But we need to deal with reality in this increase."

Borzyskowski said the city gives out a service and the demand for that service will always be there, whether or not the increase happens.

"No one wants to raise taxes," said Councilman Allyn Thurley. "But in this case, things aren't clear. But we would be doing a smart thing here, and I support it."

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