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QUINCY, ILL. -- A year after budget cut backs, layoffs and major city changes, the city of Quincy faces some of the same financial challenges next fiscal year.

While that was the theme as Mayor John Spring spoke to Exchange Club Members Friday in his State of the City Address, he also focused on achievements the city made during tough economic times.

Spring commended his staff for doing more work for less. You'll remember that last year, city workers had to take furlough days, and positions were not replaced. The city also offered early retirement incentives and some city vehicles were parked.  Mayor Spring believes those actions helped keep the city afloat.  Spring also looked ahead.

He anticipates the city's budget to be just shy of $31 million. Spring says if the city stays proactive, Quincy can weather the recession storm.

"We've asked all of our department heads to take the budget they presently have, which we'd already trimmed down as much as 5% to 10% to trim another 3.5% off of that budget and of course we're looking at revenue's that may be up a little bit that will help us, " said Mayor Spring.

Mayor Spring told KHQA that as of now, no cuts or reductions are expected.  He also told us he can almost guarantee a balanced budget.  The city is waiting on approval of grant such as the Mid-America Port Authority and Green Technology grants.  Spring says with the help of federal money, Quincy can improve its quality of life and put people back to work.