Trims to continue

Cuts made to the current Henderson budget were carried over to the next one on Tuesday night, as City Council members signed off on a $547.9 million spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1.

The budget for the coming year includes $222.8 million to cover the city's operating costs, including salaries. That's $15.1 million less than the general fund approved last May and $2.2 million less than the general fund approved in May 2007.

The amount budgeted for the current year was $617.1 million. Then came the deepening recession and a drop in tax revenue that left the city with a $53 million shortfall.

The cuts approved in recent months -- and to be continued in the coming year -- include reductions in the base budgets of all city departments and the elimination of 76 positions in the mostly growth-funded development services and utility services departments.

The city also trimmed several dozen positions through a voluntary buyout program and a voluntary furlough program under which some city employees can take unpaid days off.

Budget Manager Jill Lynch said the new budget includes some wage increases that reflect "current commitments to the various bargaining units," but no cost-of-living raises will be granted to nonunion employees or those represented by the two police unions.

One thing the new budget does not include is an increase in the city's property tax rate, which will remain unchanged for the 20th consecutive year.

Lynch noted that the budget does not reflect possible legislative action that could reduce revenue or require Henderson to absorb any services currently provided by the state.

The council approved the new spending plan unanimously with no discussion.