Citizens will have a chance to weigh in on Mount Airy’s proposed budget during a meeting of the city Board of Commissioners this week.

The meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Municipal Building, will include a public hearing on the preliminary 2009-10 spending plan for the city. Residents will have a chance to comment on revenues and spending included in the package that will go into effect on July 1.

No property tax hike is included in the proposed budget and unlike the previous two years, no increase in water and sewer rates to local utility customers. A tax rate of 58 cents per $100 of assessed valuation is recommended for the next fiscal year.

The proposal also includes no raises for city workers and funding for five fewer positions compared to this year. Along with a freeze on personnel-related expenses, the budget calls for delaying major equipment purchases and projects until the economy improves.

However, new police vehicles and a sanitation truck are scheduled to be funded.

The budget proposal also includes money for a stepped-up economic-development program by the city, and funding for outside agencies such as Mount Airy Museum of Regional History has been left intact.

No vote will be taken after the public hearing by the commissioners, who will give final approval to the new budget next month.

The proposed $11.7 million general fund budget for 2009-10 is about 14 percent less than the adjusted spending package for this fiscal year of $13.5 million.

Rezoning Hearing

Also during Thursday’s meeting, a separate public hearing is scheduled which affects plans for development of a local homeless shelter.

Citizens will be able to comment on the proposed rezoning of property on the south end of town at 1313 Carter St. owned by Mount Airy Church of God. The site now is zoned for highway business use and the change would permit general business use.

If approved, the rezoning will lead to the homeless facility being developed at the church.

After this week’s hearing, the commissioners will vote on the matter at an upcoming meeting.

Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com or at 719-1924.