The 2009 Des Moines budget, which included major cuts and increased taxes to fill a $2.7 million shortfall, was barely passed by the Des Moines City Council on Dec. 22.

After a lengthy discussion, Mayor Pro-tem Dan Sherman as well councilmen Dave Kaplan and Scott Thomasson voted against the budget. Mayor Bob Sheckler, Councilman Ed Pina, Councilwoman Susan White and Councilwoman Carmen Scott voted for it.

Over $345,000 in one-time sales tax revenues from projects that have not been started or approved were included to balance the budget.

The projects included the new misdemeanor jail being built by the South Correctional Entity.

City workers agreed to a two-percent decrease in their cost of living raises, going from five to three percent. Department directors and the City Manager Tony Piasecki took no cost of living increase.

This saved the city a little over $100,000.

Piasecki told the council the workers agreement to a decrease in raises came with the caveat that lawmakers eliminate as few jobs as possible.

Kaplan said while he couldn't support the budget, he feels the city has a group of wonderful employees.

The parks crew has been partially redirected to support the street crew.

Park employees will be doing some street maintenance.

Funding for the employees is redirected from the general budget to the capital improvement program.