LAYTON — The Layton City Council has presented its tentative budget for 2008-09 with no increase in property taxes or city fees.

Total budget is nearly $56 million, up almost 3 percent, or about $3 million over the current year.

"The city is in good financial condition," Alex Jensen, Layton city manager, stated in his annual budget report.

However, he implied that with rising energy costs and a slowing economy, the 2009-10 budget may not be able to avoid higher taxes and fees.

"The challenge for the city continues to be from growth and increasing costs with a revenue stream that does not keep pace," Jensen said.

Layton officials now estimate the city's population at 70,456 residents, up 927 from a year ago.

The final budget plan will be adopted in a public hearing by the City Council on June 5 at 7 p.m.

Highlights of the budget:

• The police department will hire a full-time crime scene technician and the parks department a full-time maintenance employee. This will give Layton 297 full-time employees and 66 part-time.

• $1.2 million will go to reconstruct Gentile Street, from 2200 West to 3200 West, and another $920,000 for Gentile Street work from 3200 West to 3700 West.

• $1.5 million will be used to widen University Park Boulevard and another $1.8 million to create a road in the East Gate Business development.

• $900,000 is included for land acquisition for a new public safety building and $500,000 toward a fire station.

• $1.2 million goes toward a new shared gymnasium with the Davis School District on 3200 West. $250,000 is set aside for the creation of a neighborhood park in the 3200 West area.

• $600,000 goes for park property between East Gentile Street and Mutton Hollow.

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