Call it the local government officials' version of March Madness.

Gaffney Administrator James Taylor unveiled his 2007-2008 budget calendar at last week's Gaffney City Council meeting.

City department heads will have until April 13 to analyze their wish lists and return their budget requests to the city administrative staff.

On April 25, a budget workshop will be held with the finance committee and department heads. A budget workshop with full council is slated for May 7.

First reading of the proposed budget is scheduled for Monday, June 4. If things go according to plan, the public hearing and second reading will take place June 18.

Two year's ago, the budget process provided plenty of drama.

City Administrator James Taylor proposed an 8-mill tax hike. But that drew stiff opposition from former council member Johnny Little and Mayor Henry Jolly.

Little's motion to eliminate the increase didn't receive a second, which prompted Jolly to relinquish the chair to second the motion. Jolly isn't allowed to second a motion as mayor under parliamentary rules.

The motion failed by a 4-2 vote. Councilman Bernard Smith made a motion for a 10-mill tax hike. But that motion failed for lack of a second.

Little then reintroduced his motion to hold the line on taxes and balance the budget from the city's cash reserves. Council members Billy Love and Wayne Ramsey supported the motion, which passed.

Last year's controversy centered over proposed pay hikes for council members. After initially approving the $3,000 pay raise, council rescinded the hefty pay hike.