Tacoma City Manager T. C. Broadnax presented a budget proposal Tuesday at City Hall that calls for a variety of measures in order to close what is projected to be a $63 million general fund shortfall over the next two years.

The recommendations include eliminating 217 jobs (153 through layoffs and retirements; 64 through not filling vacant positions); the police department faces 29 cuts and the fire department faces 29 cuts in order to save $14.3 million; implementing a $20 fee on vehicle license tabs to raise almost $4 million; eliminating a business tax exemption for healthcare nonprofits to raise $5.5 million.

A final 2013-2014 biennial budget will be approved by the end of this year. A series of budget workshops with Broadnax, city councilmembers and city staff will be held throughout October. The workshops will be streamed at tvtacoma.com and broadcast live on TV Tacoma (Channel 12).

Click here to read a copy of Broadnax’s budget proposal. Click here to read the presentation Broadnax made yesterday to councilmembers.