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Commissioners met on April 17 and agreed retirement will be offered to some employees before other methods are considered, such as a decrease in some employees' hours. It was the general consensus if hours were cut, benefits would likely remain intact.

Commissioners were informed that cuts other than personnel have already been enacted.

The budget for the next fiscal year is difficult to finalize because of the overall economy, said city administrator David White.

"We're going on so many unknowns," White said. "The crystal ball is pretty cloudy."

What is known is the 2007-2008 proposed budget showed expenses at $2,073,309 and revenue at $1,861,934. The $211,375 difference was made up from the general fund. But, that leaves the general fund at $24,764, and more cuts are required to bring the general fund up to $180,000.

Some of the major expenditures in the 2007-2008 budget are the financing of the police department at $534,134, followed by the department of public works at $304,648 and the community skate park department at $243,871.

Major revenues include property taxes at $1,102,913, revenue from the state at $274,044 and bond sale proceeds at $176,000.

A millage levy remains unchanged from previous years on property taxes. General operations will receive 17.80 mills and .4448 mills will be levied to fire equipment.

Various fees will increase. For example, airport user fees will jump from $100 per year to $150 per year. The flat rate for water will increase from $23 to $28 quarterly, and the flat rate for sewer will increase from $17 to $20 quarterly.

The budget will be reviewed every three months for adjustments.