KAYSVILLE -- This city's nearly $7.7 million tentative general fund budget was ap-proved by the council Tuesday night.

Because they didn't get a chance to review all the details, a special meeting has been set for Tuesday, May 31, at 7 p.m. The public will have a chance to comment on the budget during a public hearing June 7, 6:15 p.m. The council is expected to take action later that evening during their regular 7 p.m. meeting.

A $2 a month increase is proposed in the base rate, which is $14.50 per month, said Dean Story, city finance director. No other rate hikes are proposed --including power and all other fees.

A 3 percent market adjustment was recommended for all employees. The city has 72 full-time employees. Only one new full-time position is proposed, in the power department.

No new police officers are included in the budget, al-though some residents have asked that additional staff be hired, especially due to growth on the west side. There are 18 sworn officers, including the police chief on the force.

Story said the city's population has now surpassed 22,000. Growth has averaged construction of about 300 new homes per year, meaning between 800 and 1,000 new residents each year.

Major capital projects in-clude construction of a new two-million-gallon water tank east of U.S. Highway 89, needed to handle continuing growth, Story said. The $1.5 million project will bring the city to five water tanks.

A fourth power sub-station is also proposed for the fast-growing west side. With one completed recently for the southwest side, this is intended to meet needs of the northwest area. It will cost $1,350,000 and may be built over this year and next, Story said.

Some $13,350,000 is budgeted for the 200 North overpass project. However, Dean emphasized that is the estimated cost, including anticipated federal, state and bonding funds.

In the meantime, the Senate approved a $295 billion long-term transportation bill that could include money for this project. However, action is still required from the President to make it law.

That funding could also impact the proposed new south Layton interchange.

A study is under way in preparation for the 200 North railroad overpass, which city officials hope can be completed as part of the commuter rail project. Commuter rail through Davis County is due to be completed by late 2007 or early 2008.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com