SC's big city mayors say they won't seek bailout

Mayors in South Carolina's largest cities said Friday they've taken steps to deal with economic downturns and won't join mayors around the country who've asked the federal government for part of the $700 billion federal bailout.

Mayors in Charleston, Greenville and Columbia said they're keeping a close watch on their budgets and have implemented measures to deal with softening local economies, though some are still open to federal help down the road.

It's a different approach from big city mayors in other parts of the country who on Friday asked the federal government for help with pension costs, infrastructure investment and cash flow problems stemming from the global financial crisis.

At least three - Michael Nutter of Philadelphia, Shirley Franklin of Atlanta and Phil Gordon of Phoenix - have sent letters to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is asking Congress to consider an economic stimulus package for struggling cities, which Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and Columbia Mayor Bob Coble said they would support.

In the meantime, Charleston will continue with its hiring freeze, reduce traveling expenses and find other ways to reduce spending, Riley said.

"We know that we are in a time that will require very substantial fiscal restraint, but the city of Charleston will not request any of the $700 billion bailout money," Riley said.

Coble said the state capital is weathering the economic downturn as well.

"But if the Congress and president want to have a stimulus package or what I call a 'Main Street Stimulus Package' to create jobs, then we certainly have projects that are ready to go," he said.

To deal with the weakened economy, Columbia has reviewed its budget and investments and is ready to cut 5 percent from its spending plan if needed, the mayor said.

Greenville Mayor Knox White said his city will not ask for assistance despite taking a hit from state budget cuts and a softening of the local economy. Greenville has worked over the last several years to build up its reserve fund.

"We're in pretty good shape considering everything that we're up against," White said.

In fact, the city has raised police salaries. But White said the city will implement no new programs.

Signs of economic woes on the local level have become more pronounced nationwide. On Thursday, groups representing the nation's mayors and governors asked Congress to jump-start the economy by increasing food stamp payments, extending unemployment insurance and boosting funding for Medicaid.