No more, but no less.

The proposed budget for the city of Myrtle Point hasn’t fallen victim to the chopping block, but there isn’t much room for the increased cost of staff and services, either.

Though the budget is tight, funds for infrastructure improvements still are needed. Upgrades to the wastewater plant remain a major focus in future planning.

The city has not borrowed money for the plant project so far, which included the facilities plan and pre-design costs. This year, money is budgeted for engineering and planning costs. However, an increased sewer rate has been proposed in anticipation the city will have to borrow money for the plant in the future. Increases include: base rate change from $11.85 to $13; unmetered account rates change from $18.75 to $20. The average utility bill, based on 750 cubic feet of usage, would increase by $2.20 per month.

With costs at every level rising, maintaining staff and services is becoming increasingly difficult, Interim City Manager Randy Whobrey wrote in the city’s 2008-09 budget message.

“With the financial responsibility of staff, utilization of part-time employees and wise use of existing infrastructure we presently have the ability to absorb this expenditures,” Whobrey wrote.

Myrtle Point’s 2008-09 budget is proposed with the expectation of levying the full amount of the city’s permanent tax rate of $7.995 per $1,000 assessed property value. The total city budget amounts to nearly $5.9 million.

“I believe the biggest challenge is the wastewater plant and the growth that will accompany its completion when the housing market rebounds,” he wrote. “Other visions abound, but without careful planning and solid finances you’ll never have anything but a view.”

Major funds proposed budget totals:

* general fund — $1.2 million

* water fund — $457,586

* sewer fund — $696,554

* state street tax fund — $128,092

* library fund — $334,295

* ambulance fund — $575,067

* fire fund — $329,595

* wastewater treatment plant reserve — $424,153