Money is only part of the story.
A significant part, to be sure, but probably not the most important in the long run. It isn't going to be an easy discussion. The most ardent secessionists bring so much passion to their cause that discussion isn't easy and others just back away. The anti-secessionists don't seem to have a voice, perhaps because there aren't any or, more likely, because aside from the mayor and those running for mayor, political leaders are waiting on their followers. There are few other large institutional perches from which a leader's voice could emerge.