Casper Red Ink is Growing

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Casper's budget shortfall has grown to $4.25 million as the city collected less in sales tax than projected during the holiday season.

According to a report presented to the City Council on Tuesday, Casper collected almost $878,000 less in sales tax than projected from December and the holiday season.

City Manager V.H. McDonald says the city will continue to look at ways to reduce costs in order to move the budget in line with revenues. Casper has maintained a hiring freeze and has only been filling critical positions to help cut costs.