La Crosse is facing a choice: raise property taxes or use city reserves to cover a $681,000 budget shortfall. 

Mac Kiel stopped in studio Friday to break down the trade-offs, what budget cuts could mean for city services and why the decision isn't as simple as it might seem.

We also discussed the city administrator proposal being back for a potential third vote, and that opposition to La Crosse's Flock cameras raises questions about the city's contract and who has access to the data.

• Raise taxes or use reserves? The Board of Estimates recommended one of two options to close the budget gap. Kiel explains the arguments for each and what taxpayers should consider.
• What do the budget cuts mean for city services? Departments have already made cuts, including staffing reductions. Could residents eventually see slower snowplowing, fewer services or other changes?
• City administrator is back: What might change the outcome this time, and what questions remain, and could the mayor offer something else?
• City services declining: Kiel looks at the limits on local revenue, state shared revenue and why decisions in Madison have consequences for city budgets.
• What's next for Flock cameras? The city has an $8,000 line item for the camera system next year, but questions remain about contract termination costs, data access and whether the city has alternatives.

Kiel is a former La Crosse City Council member, who is an advocate for providing the public with what is happening with city government. She also serves on some city boards and works with the unsheltered population.