HAMILTON — City Council on Wednesday approved a balanced budget for 2002, but anticipates tough times ahead.

        Next year's general fund budget of $37.4 million, approved by a 6-0 vote, is about the same as this year's.

        Hamilton City Manager Steve Sorrell said he and his staff averted an anticipated $500,000 deficit at the end of this year primarily by not filling the positions of people who retired or resigned.

        But there is a projected $1 million deficit at the end of 2002, partly because of state and federal funding cutbacks. As a result, he said, Hamilton will have a more difficult time balancing the 2003 budget than it had balancing next year's.

        “We'll continue to tighten our belts and continue to look at ways to enhance revenue streams,” Mr. Sorrell said.

        He doesn't know how many additional vacant positions in 2002 will have to be eliminated next year.

        Mayor Adolf Olivas, who reluctantly voted for the budget Wednesday, voiced deep concern about the city's economic future.

        “This is not going to be a pretty picture a year from now,” he said.

        The city's $3 million carry-over for 2002 from this year is a small “rainy day” fund for a city the size of Hamilton, Mr. Olivas said. A serious emergency could deplete that fund in short order, he said.

        Hamilton can't continue balancing the budget by not filling vacancies because city services eventually will suffer, he said. But he conceded that under the circumstances, “it's about as good a budget as we can get.”

Indiana riverboats paying off
Argosy wants weekday gamblers
College freshmen lack basic skills
Board of Regents report highlights
Sporty's in the spotlight
Anderson acquiring acreage
Council has four plans to clean streets
Leis eyes airborne transport
School closings seen
Taft fixed on biotech, Hyundai
Tristate A.M. Report
Waagner extradited to Ill.
XU, UC alumni fan 'shootout' flame from afar
HOWARD: Some Good News
PULFER: Toxic waste
Cambodian expected to plead guilty in killing
Ex-councilman: Duning forced out
Hamilton OKs 2002 budget
Jury says student unharmed
Mason manager gets a raise
Nix joins council a few weeks early
Poster parents owe money
Sheriff Ariss heads state lawmen group
Talawanda educators weighing facilities plans
Economic woes far-reaching
Ohio fun parks charging more
Portman won't seek GOP post
Two GOP leaders fight for Orient
Barking dog case could resonate
Eyebrows, questions raised
Four more Ky. Guard units about to get call
Garage to honor crossing guard
Kentucky News Briefs
Shelters' property dispute may displace potbellied pigs
State workers to join Teamsters