The Winslow City Council met Tuesday in a special meeting and work session to review and discuss the 2015-16 budget.

City Manager Stephen Pauken noted that general fund revenue expectations had been made five percent lower than last year’s. He explained that the general fund has about an $8 million budget and a healthy reserve balance. The new budget will include an increase in fire fighters and a 35 cent an hour raise for all employees below department head status.

Finance Director Teresa Foy spoke about the enterprise funds and explained why some are showing deficits.

One such is the sanitation fund, and Pauken said that when the contract with Waste Management runs out at the end of the year he would like to go out for bids again for several reasons, including a recycling program that would lessen the city’s landfill costs.

Marie LaMar spoke at the end of that meeting, thanking Pauken for an understandable budget. She also spoke on the need to improve the image of the city.

The council awarded three major contracts as part of the consent agenda during the regular meeting that followed.

McCauley Construction won a $439,242.50 contract for Fleming Street improvements, and a $181,903.50 contract for Short Street walkway improvements, while a $2,382,546 contract for the runway 4-22 rehabilitation project at the airport went to to Pavex Corporation.

The council approved a resolution supporting the mission of Northland Pioneer College and the Little Colorado Campus, and recognizing its value to residents of Winslow.

NPC President Dr. Jeanne Swarthout spoke, noting that there was no consideration she knew of to not use the Little Colorado campus and that she was pleased with it.

Navajo County Community College District Governing Board member Prescott Winslow spoke during the call to the public to confirm that there are no plans to close the Winslow campus of NPC. He noted that the real danger to the college was the state legislature’s cutting of educational funding.

Jack Dempsey of the Little Colorado Medical Center staff thanked the city for its support of the hospital, and noted that it was no longer in critical condition, but was still in serious condition.

Judy Howell congratulated the city on its response for a request for an animal care concern.

Pauken reported on recent city activities and the animal care facility. He also thanked Foy for 19 years of service, as she is leaving the position of city finance director.

In other action May 12, the council:

* Adopted a resolution approving the bylaws of the City of Winslow Public Facilities Municipal Property Corporation on an emergency basis.

* Adopted an ordinance authorizing the purchase of property at 608 Roberts Ave. from Barbara Marcum for $3,500. The property will be used for parking at the Southside Park.

* Adopted an ordinance accepting easement for Frontage Road improvements as part of the city’s capital improvements program approved by the council.

* Approved the consent calendar, including an amendment to the Woodson Engineering additional services agreement for the Transcon Lane South project for $28,500; an amendment to the memorandum of understanding with the Northern Arizona Council of Governments for replacement signage; reappointment of Gail Sadler to the Historic Preservation Commission; declaring a vacancy on the Airport Commission and appointing Bruce Lazzarini to that commission; approving support for the Because We Care 2015 Graduation party by allowing the use of the Hayden Walton Sports Complex, waiving all vendor fees, providing extra patrol officers and closing Cherry Street from Colorado to Pope avenues; the check register; and minutes of the April 28 council meeting.

* Approved a letter of commitment for the Bark for Your Park Dog Park contest.

Winslow residents were encouraged to vote for the park on Facebook and petspace.net.

* Recognized Leadership Academy graduates, many of whom were present to receive certificates for the nine-week course.

* Proclaimed May 10-16 as Police Officers Week and May 14 as Police Memorial Day.

* Proclaimed May 17-23 as Emergency Medical Services Week.