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FT. MADISON, IA -- Fort Madison Mayor Steve Ireland says budgets the past few years have been rather difficult for the city.

And approving the budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year is on the agenda for the Tuesday, February 3, Fort Madison City Council meeting.

Mayor Ireland described the budget as a "bare bone" budget.

He said the city has a good, clean budget with no frills.

Included in the budget is a $40,000 capital expenditure to fix the roof at the fire station.

Ireland says the city will not be forced to make any layoffs.

And because voters passed Public Measure D, putting 80% of sales tax into the general fund, the city is able to hire one police officer and two firefighters.

The city is currently in the interview process to fill those positions.

Ireland told KHQA tightening up the past few budgets has helped with the current one.

"Thanks to the city council and myself being very frugal over the past couple years," says Ireland, "and in conjunction with the public vote that happened last September for the reallocation of sales tax, we were able to put together a really good budget in this 2009-2010 fiscal year. So I'm really happy about the budget process this year."

A public hearing will be held Tuesday, February 17, at 7:00 p.m. to further discuss the city budget.