City residents get their chance today to comment on the city's proposed $10.9 million budget that holds the line on taxes and salaries and that was described by the city administrator as "very, very, very lean."

The public hearing will be followed by final reading of the budget, which goes into effect July 1.

On first reading, council cut a $3,000 travel allowance for Gaffney Mayor Henry Jolly. The mayor originally made the request for a $2,800 allowance at a finance committee meeting.

Councilman Wayne Ramsey took the travel cuts a step further by proposing council not pay the $1,600 it will cost to send each councilman to the S.C. Municipal Association summer meeting in Hilton Head.

Both measures passed by a 4-3 vote.

Prior to the travel battles, Gaffney Administrator James Taylor told council members that revenues were down and expenditures increased over the previous year.

Taylor added he's concerned over the recent rise in fuel costs.

"This budget will require constant and close monitoring," Taylor told council members.

The budget does include some new fees. The city will charge organizations who want to temporarily close a street a fee to offset the city's costs. The city also will stop its practice of waiving permit fees.

Last year, council passed a $10.2 million budget that held the line on taxes.

Today's meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at city hall.