Casper 2013 Fiscal Budget Favors Employees, Safety

Casper City Council had a full house in attendance as it signed off on a budget for fiscal year 2013 Tuesday night.

The budget totals just under $141 million, down $6 million from last year.

City Manager, John Patterson, outlined the process of prioritizing based on a desire by council to look after city employees and public safety.

"We believe that we have met those priorities, that direction from city council in this document, in that we are providing pay increases and a benefit modification for employees and we're putting a focus on police and fire."

He pointed to a increase in general sales taxes of $2.9 million, while mineral taxes are down.

Pay increases will go to exempt police staff of 6.3 %, firefighters will be getting an 8.2 % increase and all other city staff are receiving a 2.5% cost of living adjustment.