The Prior Lake City Council will begin detailed discussion of the 2009 budget during a workshop starting at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, in the Parkview Community Room at City Hall, 4646 Dakota St.

Council members have discussed in recent meetings the need to reign in spending and look for additional revenue options as the economic slow-down continues. Finance Director Ralph Teschner, who plans to retire in October, warned council members several times during last year’s budget discussion that the 2009 budget would be tight.

After a series of workshops, the council will view a full budget presentation at a future meeting, followed by a truth-in-taxation hearing and adoption of the final budget in December. The current year’s general operating budget is $12.4 million, with a $9.4 million total property-tax levy.

For more information, visit www.cityofpriorlake.com/finance.

-- Lori Carlson