Fayetteville’s staff and City Council are currently holding staff meetings to get further input on this year’s proposed $13.5 million general fund budget.

“This is a conservative budget,” said Finance Director Mike Bush, when he rolled out the facts and figures to the City Council June 15.

While he said county tax officials said Fayetteville’s property assessments went up 12 percent, Bush only figured in a 5 percent increase for budget reasons. As with most local budgets, the bulk of the funds, just over $8 million, go to public safety.

When asked by City Councilman Jim Williams what effect the proposed budget would have on the millage, Bush said none.

The general fund budget is approximately $700,000 more than last year’s amended budget of $12.8 million.

The budget will have its second reading and approval July 20. In August, the city will set the millage rate.