Will Lexington soak its homeowners?

Why don't governments ever view overspending as an issue they can fix by spending less?

From the Lexington Herald Leader:

"Mayor Jim Newberry's administration has presented the council with three options: Setting the rates at the same level as last year, which would leave the city short $586,190; increasing the rates just enough to balance the budget; or raising the rates by 4 percent, the maximum level allowed by law."
"Newberry has not said which option he prefers."

There is another option: get rid of taxpayer-provided city employee cars and Mayor Newberry's armed bodyguards.