Traffic in downtown Tulsa is sparse today because most city employees are off. It was the first of 8 furlough days the city is enforcing to save money. The new budget went into effect Wednesday. Many people didn't get the message that city hall was closed Thursday.
One by one, folks tried the door at the Tulsa city Hall. One by one, they failed to get in. Sharon Durant asked, "Oh Lord, what do we do about our water bills? We need to get them paid." Alex Bradley said, "I came to get a permit for fireworks." Security told him, "They're closed today." Security was at the employee entrance but no one was available to tell Bradley that fireworks permits are not allowed in the City of Tulsa. Many asked why the city wasn't accepting their money. Bradley adds, "I know they city needs money but that is a way they could get the money they need."
Others came from outside of town to take care of business. Cindy Roberts said, "Pay a ticket and found them closed today and tomorrow."
Those we spoke to understand it is a way the city hopes to save some money. They just wish they could have been saved from making an unnecessary trip to city hall.
