99 Budget Options and a Deficit Ain't One

Every year the city's Independent Budget Office releases options for raising revenue. And this year's report aims especially, well, high. 

Among the new ideas: making pot legal and slapping a tax on it could bring in $25 million for the city. 

In addition, the IBO said taxing the books you read on your Kindle, and the music you download to your iPod, could bring in $12 million. 

Charging tourists to ride the Staten Island ferry? Nearly $3 million. 

The report also includes some old standbys:

• Increasing the work week for city employees: $194 million.
• Having those workers contribute to their health care: $563 million.
• Restoring the commuter tax: $860 million. 

The IBO says these aren’t suggestions, just options to raise revenue and possibly increase equity and efficiency in the city. 

According to the budget office, the city faces a $2.6 billion shortfall for next year, though that gap is relatively small given the size of the overall spending plan.

The budget is required to be balanced when passed. 

All 99 options are listed here.