City begins working on '08 -'09 budget

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

Gaffney Administrator James Taylor unveiled his 2008-'09 budget calendar at this month's Gaffney City Council meeting.

City department heads will have until April 14 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 will full council is slated for May 5.

First reading of the proposed budget is scheduled for Monday, June 2. If things go according to plan, a public hearing and second reading will take place June 16.

Last year, council approved a $10,881,663 spending plan that included a 4-mill tax hike and a 3 percent cost-of-living raise for city employees.

Two years ago, council proposed pay hikes for council members. After initially approving the $3,000 pay raise, council rescinded the hefty pay hike.