Cape Canaveral faces $1.9 million deficit as city prepares for budget vote

The City of Cape Canaveral is facing a $1.9 million budget deficit that has forced job eliminations and put several public facilities at risk of closure. City leaders have already taken initial cost-cutting measures as they prepare for a final budget vote.In an open online letter to residents, Mayor Wes Morrison explained that Cape Canaveral’s financial difficulties developed over several years. According to Morrison, the shortfall grew as city spending increased while reserve funds were repeatedly drawn down to cover operational costs.To address the shortfall, the city has eliminated 16 positions, committed to lowering operating expenses, and proposed a new millage property tax rate. However, officials noted that municipal services remain at risk, including the potential enclosure and closure of three local facilities: the gym, known as C5, the Nancy Hanson Rec Complex, and the Cape Canaveral Community Center.Denise Castello, who has lived in Cape Canaveral since 1978 and worked as a