Saluda residents who may be worrying about possible increases in their bills from the city should be able to relax. Saluda’s proposed budget for next year includes no increases in tax rate or water and sewer rates.

Saluda will hold a public hearing on the city’s proposed budget Monday at 7 p.m. at the Saluda Public Library prior to adopting the new budget.

The budget is for the fiscal year 2010-11, which begins July 1.

The citys total budget is proposed at $1,460,860 with $939,615 budgeted for the general fund and $521,235 for the water and sewer fund. The current years budget was $1,363,255. Saluda approved last year a revenue neutral plus nine percent growth tax rate following the 2009 property revaluation.

The citys tax rate is proposed to remain at 45 cents per $100 of valuation.

Saluda is planning to do some capital projects next year including the following:

$8,000 in administration for computers and software;

$46,710 in the police department to purchase computer upgrades, a video microphone and a 2010 Ford Explorer, which will be financed;

$16,650 in transportation and parks for a used dump truck, salt and sand shed, weed eater and a snow plow for the utility vehicle;

$4,500 for pay increases.

The city is planning on giving a one percent cost of living increase on July 1 and a two percent merit increase on Jan. 1.

Saluda also plans to contribute $115,665 to its fund balance.