Mass. city ponders fate of smelly rug

[March 17, 2011]  HAVERHILL, Mass. (AP) -- Something's rotten at a city hall in Massachusetts and officials know exactly what it is.

They're just not sure they can afford to do anything about it. The decades-old carpet in the Haverhill (HAY'-vruhl) building is stained, frayed, ripped and uneven, but above all, it stinks. City Councilor Dave Hall says in addition to the odor, the carpet is downright dangerous, and he and others have tripped over the bumps. Councilors agreed unanimously Tuesday that something needs to be done. Mayor James Fiorentini agrees, but says the city near the state's New Hampshire border can't afford the minimum $100,000 it will take to replace the offending floor covering. He says given a projected $2.7 million budget deficit, his priorities are schools and public safety. Councilors agreed to explore all options. [Associated Press] Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.