Counties, school districts and cities throughout the state are attempting to tackle cuts they expect will come their way once the state's budget is finalized.With an expected statewide deficit of one billion dollars, the city of Mankato is looking at further cuts to their Local Government Aid funding, this year to the tune of one point seven million dollars.News 12's Ryan Gustafson has the story.At tonight's city council meeting, City Manager Patrick Hentges laid out his recommendations for dealing with those cuts.Patrick Hentges says, "I've identified some options for the council, and they're not pretty options. They will have a significant impact on our citizens.'Possible areas that may be affected include the city's parks, as well as the Blue Earth County Library, which will see a drastic cut in funding.All city employees must take a week-long furlough.And no grants will be given out to the arts, non-profits and events.And funding for groups like VINE, ASA and the Diversity Council will see a fifty percent drop in their city funding.All this to tackle what looks like a likely budget fight at the Capitol.Hentges says, "The governor again will be given the opportunity to balance the budget through unallotment. So that is a very strong likelihood unless some significant changes to the budget."No action was taken at tonight's meeting at the Intergovernmental Center.But Hentges did float the idea of raising the city's tax levy to 12.4 percent, which would make up for about half of the cuts the city has seen over the last two years.In Mankato, Ryan Gustafson, News 12.