The city's top attorney sought to quell fears about bankruptcy Wednesday by telling council members that Hartford, Conn., is far from ready to seek protection under chapter 9, the Hartford Courant reported yesterday. Howard Rifkin, Hartford's corporation counsel, acknowledged that he had begun discussions with firms specializing in bankruptcy and financial restructuring. But he said the city isn't yet prepared to move forward with a filing. City leaders had solicited proposals from law firms with expertise in chapter 9 protection. Given Hartford's financial struggles and uncertainty at the state level, Mayor Luke Bronin said, "It shouldn't surprise anyone that we might engage counsel in the near future." The city faces a $65 million deficit next year and a $14 million shortfall this year. Bronin has suggested cuts and concessions from the unions, but is still seeking $40 million in additional state aid to close next year's budget gap. With only weeks left in the legislative session, it's unclear if the General Assembly will come up with more money for Hartford. The state has its own problems — a more than $2 billion budget deficit is estimated for next year. To complicate matters, Gov. Dannel Malloy has proposed withholding town aid next month, meaning that Hartford would get $2 million less from the state.
