There are no major changes in the first draft of Lewes’ 2017-18 budget. City Manager Paul Eckrich, who’ll be retiring after the budget is finalized, presented his final budget to mayor and city council Feb. 9.

The balanced budget features a 3.4 percent increase, about $200,000, in revenues and expenditures over last year’s budget. Eckrich said he had to budget nearly $100,000 to come out of cash balance to balance the budget, but said there are still a number of upcoming meetings and the numbers are likely to change.

The existing draft does not call for increases to property taxes or other fees that have not already been discussed and approved by council. Council has directed Eckrich and Financial Officer Ellen Lorraine McCabe to research the last time the city increased property taxes, among other items.

As proposed, the budget does not account for pay increases for city employees, which will be discussed during an executive session at a future budget meeting.

Council is also mulling additional weeks of recycling service. The city currently offers recycling pickup 31 weeks out of the year – every other week except for a 10-week period in July and August when it is picked up weekly. Eckrich said it would cost the city $4,400 for each week they wish to add to the schedule.

Deputy Mayor Fred Beaufait noted that the budget could increase and asked Eckrich what other areas could be cut.

“We can cut projects. We can cut our services,” Eckrich responded. “I wouldn’t recommend doing that, but I think we’re to the point with the budget where you’re going to cut services as opposed to cutting fat.”

The city’s police department continues to have the largest budget of all departments in Lewes, with the 2018 expenses topping $1.3 million. About 60 percent of expenses goes toward salary for officers and staff.

Maintenance of city parks remains a big-ticket item, as the city is expected to spend $230,000 for parks and recreation in 2018. New items include the maintenance of the Lewes to Georgetown Rail with Trail, trailhead and the new library, totaling $35,000, as of now. However, Eckrich informed council that lower estimates are expected.

After receiving less than the budgeted amount for parking meter revenue last year, Eckrich has adjusted the 2018 parking revenues downward to receive about $435,000. An additional $140,000 is expected from parking violations.

Budget meetings will continue at 1:30 p.m., each Thursday through March 9.