(KLZA)-- Julie Bauman, a CPA from Falls City met with the Pawnee City Council last week, presenting an updated draft copy of the new fiscal year budget. 

Improvements were noted in the current budget. The City has $1.2-million less in debt due to refinancing of the USDA Water project through Ameritas. The Cash balances are about $10-thousand more at this time than the previous year. 

A public hearing on the budget proposal for the next fiscal year is likely to be scheduled for the September 11 Council meeting. 

Council member Ric Helms discussed the idea brought up previously of creation of a “Pawnee City Pride” Committee. The Committee would assist the City in dealing with nuisance properties around town.  

Clerk Stephens said Bruce Haughton has volunteered to be on the committee and serve as chairman if the committee is approved.  

The Council also approved the Handi-Bus agreement with Pawnee County.  The City will pay the County $3,200 in the next fiscal year towards the Handi-Bus.  The amount is the same as the previous two years.