Council goes over proposed city budget for 2014

YOUNGSTOWN — With the city’s $171.5 million budget proposal finally in their hands, members of city council asked questions today about increasing funding for more Christmas lights, the downtown jazz festival and improving neighborhoods.

Council members met with department heads at budget hearings that ended March 4 to discuss funding and project priorities.

But council members had those meetings without the $171.5 million budget proposed by the administration.

It wasn’t until last Thursday that all members of council had that budget proposal, and they met today to discuss it.

Most council members at the meeting, which lasted an hour, to discuss the budget said they were satisfied with the spending package and would vote in favor of it.

The city must approve a budget by Monday under city statute.

Council will meet at 4:45 p.m. Thursday to vote on passing the city’s $171.5 million budget. That will be the only item on the meeting’s agenda.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com