From January through August, Phoenix collected about $231 million in sales-tax dollars, $23 million, or 9 percent, less than projected. That means fewer dollars to pay for such services as police and fire protection, parks and libraries. "It's devastating. It's much worse than the worst-case scenario," said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, who expected a midyear shortfall of less than $10 million. "This is too large to handle without making huge community sacrifices."