Saluda is the only local government so far to include the growth in the new tax rate. Polk County and the Town of Columbus approved a revenue neutral rate without growth. The Town of Tryon was scheduled to meet this morning to approve a new budget but it was not known at press time what tax rate Tryon is considering.

Commissioners decided not to approve any increase in sanitation fees; a 3 percent increase was previously proposed. The city also decided to take a $20,000 savings in the police department for this year and put $15,000 in next year&squo;s capital improvement plan budget and $5,000 for vehicle maintenance next year.

The city also had some savings in the library and put it towards next year&squo;s building and maintenance funding.

Saluda previously eliminated capital improvements including a main server and GIS, new roofs on park buildings, repairs to city hall, security cameras downtown and public restrooms. However, with the savings forwarded to next year, the city may be able to complete some of those improvements later in the fiscal year.

The city&squo;s total proposed budget is for $1,363,255 with the new fiscal year beginning on Wednesday.