City department heads begin making budget requests today

Last year, Gaffney City Council approved a $10,881,663 spending plan that included a 4-mill tax hike.

Gaffney Administrator James Taylor said Thursday he doesn't want history to repeat itself.

"I'll try to avoid (a tax increase) at all costs this year," he said. "I don't want to (increase taxes) two years in a row."

But Taylor cautioned the 2008-'09 budget is still a work in progress.

The city's six department heads will pitch their wish lists to the finance committee at 1:30 p.m. today.

At the same meeting, Taylor said he will present projected revenue figures and highlight some major cost concerns, including fuel.

After today's presentations by department heads, Taylor said he will receive instructions from the finance committee in preparation for a budget workshop with full council Monday, 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.