City Council directed the staff Tuesday, October 7 to balance the city’s operating budget.  This $1.9 million dollar decision could mean painful cuts in city services, a hiring freeze, no pay increases, the eliination of benefits for seasonal employees and layoffs.

A juggling act is taking place to attempt to achieve a  balance in spending for areas described by some as “non-essential.”  Included in these areas are the arts, human services, Historic preservation, the environment, spending on the parks, open space and the recreational services department.

I’ll continue to keep you in the Steamboat Loop.

This 2009 budget is scheduled for adoption in late November or early December.