LAKEPORT – A special Lakeport City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday will focus on the city's budget and how to balance it going forward.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

During a midyear budget review held last week before the council's regularly scheduled meeting, the council called for the special meeting this Tuesday to look more closely at the city's budget situation.

The city went into the 2009-09 fiscal year with a $400,000 gap, and Finance Director Janet Tavernier told the council last week that so far this year the city has spent nearly $200,000 more than its taken in. City revenues are down in part due to a projected 12-percent reduction in sales tax this fiscal year.

Council members will consider looking at areas of the budget to cut going forward, with possible action to modify the existing budget on the agenda.

The council also will discuss outstanding invoices from the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce for the Dickens Christmas Market, $5,000, and the 2008 July 4 fireworks display, $13,132.27.

The chamber is projecting an $11,000 budget shortfall this year, according to a statement made by chamber Chief Executive Officer Melissa Fulton at the council's Feb. 17 meeting. The council has delayed the payments, which they've made in the past, citing its fiscal situation.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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