City waits on state aid figures

By Kathy McCabe
Globe Staff

Dueling versions of the state budget differ widely on the amount of local aid Malden is to receive in fiscal 2010.

The House proposal would give the city $55.9 million, but the Senate version is $52.3 million.

The $3.6 million difference makes it hard to draft a new city budget. The discrepancy also could determine how deeply the city must cut jobs and services in the fiscal year that starts July 1.

The two budget versions should be ironed out soon by a House-Senate conference committee. Meanwhile, Mayor Richard C. Howard has asked City Councilors to be patient, as he prepares the city budget.

‘‘It behooves us to wait for as long as we can,’’ Howard told the council’s finance committee this week. ‘‘There are so many moving pieces in each budget.’’