With only eight months under her belt leading the city, this is Mayor Misty Buscher’s first city budget. Department heads start making their cases Wednesday night, and the mayor says there have been some discussions already.

“There were a couple of departments that I actually removed things from their budgets that they asked for that I just didn’t think we could afford,” said Buscher (pictured, at mic) Whether it’s equipment or personnel or buildings, I have taken things out that I don’t think we have the funds for.”

More budget hearings are scheduled for Thursday night, Jan. 18, and Jan. 23. The budget proposal now carries a $215 corporate fund and is for the twelve months beginning March 1.

All four hearings are in council chambers and begin at 5:30 p.m.