The phrase "budget ax" means making cuts or reductions in expenses or spending. It refers to a decision to decrease the amount of money allocated or used for various purposes, often to balance a budget or save money. Full definition
City schools are in line for a smaller midyear hit from the city budget ax than previously predicted, but large deficits — and big fights — loom on the horizon. (uft.org)
Syracuse firefighters have made a last gasp attempt to save Engine Company Number 7 from the Mayor's budget ax. (wrvo.org)
... Public - school administrators say the fees — some of which are waived for low - income families — allow them to continue to offer specialty classes and activities that would otherwise fall to the budget ax. (politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com)