City of Gaffney officials got a big pat on the back Monday from their accountant for doing the improbable — increasing the city’s fund balance during the past fiscal year.

At a time when most local governments are grappling with lagging revenues and cost hikes, the city’s fund balance increased from $3,156,490 at the start of the fiscal year 2008-’09, to $3,272,441 at the end of the same fiscal year.

The fund balance is the difference between assets and liabilities.

“You really did a good job with the budget, considering the economy,” accountant Ben Kochenower said.

Councilman Bernard Smith also applauded the fiscal acumen demonstrated by city administrator James Taylor, finance officer Ginny Wallace and her staff.

A look at the audit showed general government revenues generated $10,221,294 for the city during fiscal year 2008-’09, while total expenditures were $9,801,901.

Public safety departments, namely police and fire, gobbled up nearly half of the expenditures.

Total net assets grew for the city by $557,709 during the past fiscal year. Some of the increase was a result of upgrades to city parks and the purchase of additional real property.