Sumner’s biennial budget for the 2011-12 years is being balanced with an increase in the property tax levy.

The city council unanimously passed the budget during its Nov. 15 meeting following a required public hearing.

Property taxes are going up 1 percent and Sumner is using its banked capacity for further revenue. Banked capacity consists of property taxes allowed earlier but not collected. The total property tax levy for 2011 is $979,973. The dollar amount of increase from last year is $28,390, which is an increase of 2.98 percent.

“This budget sets the stage for the coming two years,” City Administrator Diane Supler said.

She told the council the budget is a guideline for the city and can be changed.

“The budgeting and working with the council and bringing fourth adjustments occurs throughout the two-year period as needed,” Supler said.

She said the city may receive grants during the next two years, which aren’t included in the budget. This is so the city doesn’t plan with money it doesn’t have.

Councilmembers expressed their appreciation for the effort employees put into the budget.

“In order to come up with this budget the staff really did put in long, hard hours,” Councilman LeRoy Goff said.

Councilman Steve Allsop said a major expense for the city is employee pay and Sumner’s employees aided the city in balancing the budget.

“The employees continue to step to the plate and help this to happen through personal sacrifice,” Allsop said.

Mayor Dave Enslow said he had his doubts about the passage of the budget and is impressed with the result. He said continuing a good level of service in the city with less funding is an accomplishment.

“Two months ago, I remember looking at the budget and thinking, ‘my God we’re never going to get this thing balanced.’ And we did. And again it’s because everybody in the staff worked so hard to make it happen. We all owe you guys a great debt of thanks,” Enslow said.