As the most daunting fiscal crisis of a generation swirls around him, Mayor Nutter will present a budget next week to a City Council whose support for him remains stubbornly uncertain.

On March 19, Nutter will ask Council members and their constituents to accept deep service cuts, onerous tax increases, or both - requests that will severely stress the relationship between the mayor and Council.

"It's going to be testy," said Councilman Darrell L. Clarke, who as majority whip is responsible for rounding up votes in a body where allegiances are still evolving. "It may challenge that relationship."