NEW YORK (AP) -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he'll work with the New York City Council to find a ``balance'' regarding this year's
$400 homeowners' rebate.

Appearing Friday on WOR Radio, Bloomberg said: ``We will work with (Council Speaker) Christine Quinn and we'll find some balance. It's not going to be easy. It's not going to be pretty.''

In the economic turndown, the city has to reduce expenses, he says, ``without killing any major programs.''

Bloomberg first proposed canceling the checks to save $256 million. After the city's budget director said that would require council approval, Bloomberg had conceded: ``It's probably up in the air.''

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