The Junction City Commission has set a public budget hearing for Tuesday, August 1st at 7:00 pm.

The City mil levy will remain relatively unchanged at 48.089 mils.

Allen Dinkel, City Manager, said that City officials have been able to find a good balance between community concerns and practicality in the 2018 budget.

“At one time we had about $150,000 we had to trim, and so lead City staff sat down and trimmed back and managed departments and [looked at] where we could live with cuts,” said Dinkel. “I think we have to be careful – we still have to operate a government, and we still have to operate in case something bad does happen that we could work through that, because ultimately we have to provide services to the public.”

Amongst items included in the budget is $1.1 million towards street improvements.

There was concern between Commissioners that the County’s withdrawal notice from Master Agreement for the Consolidated Chamber of Commerce could have an impact on the City budget.

“Last year they did they same thing and we negotiated and kept the same agreement and made some minor amendments to it,” said Dinkel. “I think it’s minor enough that we have funds available in our budget for contingencies like that.”

A compromise on the master agreement must be made by December 31st or the withdrawal becomes effective.

After the public budget hearing, City officials will move forward with finalizing and publishing the budget.