The plan, proposed by Mayor Michael Nutter, could include a $300 trash fee per household and a tax on sugary drinks.
Council opened two months of budget hearings Wednesday with the mayor's top aides warning of drastic service cuts and mass layoffs unless the council helps create new revenue streams to close a $150 million budget gap.
Since the mayor announced his plan last week, council members have been deluged with angry e-mails from voters who don't like trash fee, and alternatives are already being floated.
"I think the trash fee is going to be significantly lowered or there will be, potentially, other revenue measures even a small property tax increase," said Councilman Bill Green, Jr.
The mayor is already signaling a willingness to deal on the trash fee.
"We're at the start of a process, we know we have some challenges out there. We're looking at a variety of options, trying to figure out how we provide better service, how we maintain the services we have," said Mayor Nutter.
The mayor's other key proposal is a 2 cent-per-ounce tax on sugar sweetened drinks. That has been under fire by the soda industry, which has generated a mass e-mail campaign against it.
However, many council members say it may sellable because of the anti-obesity factor.
Compromise, instead of confrontation, seems to be the prevailing spirit here at the start of another tight budget season.
"They have, over the last couple of months, been coming to council members looking for alternative ideas," said Councilman Daryl Clark. "I don't think he would give us significant pushback, within reason.
This budget debate comes as nearly all council members, and Mayor Nutter, gear up for re-election next year.
