ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph decided to cut just over $50,000 from its 2016 preliminary budget on Monday night.

Council members were previously asked for options to lower the budget and tax rate. Ultimately, it was decided that $25,000 would be taken from the city capital improvement plan through reduced equipment purchases.

An additional $26,000 was taken out when a grant for the city wasn't received and miscellaneous funds were also taken out for a total cut of about $55,000.

Council member Bob Loso pushed for the city to not hire a community development director until 2017, which could save the city $55,000 to $75,000. Ultimately, the position was kept and is still in discussion for the final budget. The other council members voiced the importance of having someone in charge of the economic growth of the city full time.

A public hearing for the final budget will be held on December 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the council chambers.

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