MAPLETON — The Mapleton City Council on Wednesday will consider a $3.2 million budget for the 2010 fiscal year, a decrease of about $500,000 from a year ago.

The downturn in the economy that manifested itself in reduced building fees and sales taxes brought with it city cutbacks and one layoff in the past year.

"Over the last 18 months, our budget has been reduced 28 percent," city administrator Bob Bradshaw said.

The city cut working hours for five employees, postponed some vacations and eliminated one position. Employees won't be getting cost-of-living or merit increases, despite a 3.9 percent increase in the state's consumer-price index, Bradshaw said.

City services won't change, and no property-tax increase is planned.

A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers, 125 W. 400 North.

— Rodger L. Hardy