Council aides said it was too early to tell whether the proposals would have that many votes.

Council aides said the cuts were made across the board, and included several high-level officials earning more than $100,000 a year.

Late yesterday, Council aides themselves appeared to play down the sales tax idea but said it remained a possibility.

Senior Council aides have accused the administration of playing for time to get its house in order.

Some Council aides said the delay was the longest in at least several decades.

Council aides did not have a total for the savings that would be realized in city agency legal departments through its plan.

It was the first time in 10 years that a member has been removed from a committee chairmanship, Council aides said.

Another Council aide speculated that resolving the question might require court intervention.

Council aides have estimated the costs at $8,000 to $10,000 per establishment.

"As it is now, the city has no control over the school board," one Council aide said.