New York City officials say storm relief efforts won't be hurt by $2 billion worth of planned cuts in city spending.
City agency heads were told back in September to come up with cost-cutting measures to close a projected deficit.
Officials have submitted a November update to the city's financial plan, and it includes no reductions in headcounts at the police or fire departments.
A spokeswoman for Mayor Michael Bloomberg says critical services including all Sandy relief will be maintained.
The roughly $70 billion city budget for this year is balanced. But it included $635 million from a failed plan to sell taxi medallions. A judge struck the plan down in August.
Besides that gap, a $2.5 billion deficit is forecast for next year.
The city also announced a plan for city employees who want to contribute to relief efforts after Sandy will be able to do it through an automatic payroll deduction.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn announced the program on Sunday.
They said city employees will be able to earmark part of their paychecks to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City for storm relief.
The fund has raised more than $35 million for hurricane restoration efforts.
Bloomberg says the money is used to address immediate needs including water, hot food, toiletries, baby supplies, warm clothing and blankets.
The funds will also address long-term needs including housing.
City employees' tax-deductible deductions will run for two months spread over four pay periods.
