Many believe the work should be financed by the 'public purse'. [=should be paid for by the government]
Companies are expected to 'loosen the purse strings' as the economy improves.
School administrators are already 'tightening (the) purse strings'.
(..) these people I will repay him tenfold. Something vexes thee? What the devil? It's a hot day, friend... ...to burden your horse with such a heavy purse. The Sheriff will hear of this! I truly hope so. Buy yourself a new sow. God bless you, Fanny. And God bless Robin Hood! (..)1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves