The success or failure of municipal functions cannot be read on a balance sheet. The only measure of success is the quality of the service provided. This is something which we subsidise by paying taxes. Ultimately public sector resources will suffice for what we want to have. The State and the municipalities have the right to use coercive measures to acquire resources.
Business enterprises have no such right.
Economic problems have undoubtedly also forced the public sector to make savings. There are also circumstances which demand staff cuts for the public good. In such cases cuts are beneficial to the public. However, we are all taxpayers and social security clients. Those in weaker positions are more dependant on public services.