Newburgh residents — and even the mayor — say the 2019 city budget needs work. 

The city manager's proposed budget is worth nearly $47 million. It includes a property tax hike over the property tax cap, but how that translates to taxpayers is still uncertain.

The letter included with the budget also indicates many department requests were left out because of finances. 

Emotions ran high at Tuesday night's City Council meeting, especially related to the proposed tax hike. 

Council members and Mayor Torrence Harvey agree there are areas the council can explore to try to cut cost. 

"No one wants to raise taxes, let's be very clear about that," said Harvey. "So all of us are going to work double-time trying to look at this budget, where we can move things."

One resident said she's livid over the proposed changes because she's on a fixed income. 

"I'm a retired, injured worker, and here I am trying to survive and they keep raising taxes," said Sertaira Boyd. "My taxes have been raised and now I'm paying an additional $400 a month, and it's all because off the backs of the council people making decisions that they're making." 

Outgoing City Manager Michael Ciaravino presented the proposed budget along with an independent consultant. 

The consultant was brought in to assist after the city comptroller, Katie Mack, resigned.