MOSES LAKE - Despite a proposed $2.3 million reduction for next year's budget, Moses Lake residents most likely won't notice any changes.

The 2014 preliminary budget was discussed by City Council and staff during a short study session this week. The good news, City Manager Joseph Gavinski said, is the budget is balanced. The entire proposed budget for the city for next year is about $65.7 million, down from $68 million last year.

"It's a relatively simple budget for us in comparison to what we've done in the past because it really is down pretty much to the basics for us," Gavinski said. "We in essence have the same police department, same fire department, ambulance service, streets, Parks and Rec. Department and programs."

Earlier this year, Gavinski informed the council of the possibility of having to close the Larson Recreation Center, ice rink and Moses Lake Museum and Art Center as well cut funding to city-supported programs, but the preliminary budget for next year will allow for the city to continue all the programs currently in place.

"We haven't suggested eliminating anything along the lines of all those options provided earlier in the year," Gavinski said, adding closures or eliminating contributions are not out of the question if the city council does not agree with eliminating construction and street projects, including chip sealing, which will likely not happen next year.

The city was forced to make up a $2.3 million deficit due to the changes to the assessment of REC Silicon, reducing the city's property tax revenue. Gavinski said department directors understood the issue the city was facing and were asked to operate at the minimum.

If there is a resolution by the state Board of Tax Appeals case between REC Silicon and Grant County next year, the city's budget could change, Gavinski said, but he's not counting on it.

In order to cut costs, only a few projects and capital purchases are included in the general fund budget, which has been reduced from $23.2 million this year to $20.8 million for 2014, as well as practically no equipment being added, Gavinski said. The majority of the projects budgeted are primarily funded to grants already approved or are included in the proprietary fund.

The city will also again not fill eight open positions.

"Last year we had them in the budget and did not use them," Gavinski said. "This year they're actually removed from the budget entirely."

Councilmember Dick Deane asked Gavinski if the city is tapping all of its resources available to raise additional revenue. Gavinski said there are other ways to raise revenue, including increasing utility or excise tax, or increasing the ambulance utility fee, but the city would not be able to raise sales tax or property tax.

An ordinance will be presented to the council for approval at the Nov. 12 city council meeting.