The City of Wichita has a new budget for 2013, thanks to an unanimous vote by City Council members Tuesday.
Wichita will avoid layoffs and any tax increases with this new balanced budget. However some fees will go up, certain services will be cut and more than 60 open positions will be left vacant.
The city expects to raise $835,000 by increasing fire inspection fees, municipal court costs and some convenience fees. Hours at the library will also be cut back during non-peak hours.
Cowtown will face a budget cut of $80,000 in 2013. However, council members voted to transfer $30,000 from the Transient Guest Tax Fund to help offset that budget cut.
While Cowtown is not happy with the cut, a representative told the Council they will do what they can with what they've got. He added Cowtown is open to options to help improve revenue.
The City Council does not expect an upturn in the economy in 2013, and revenue projections are based on that outlook.
