The City Council is scheduled to hear the first reading of the 2006 mid-biennium budget, as well as to hear public comment on the budget, during the Dec. 6 meeting. The proposal would create a balanced budget through 2006 and the 2007-2008 biennium by redesigning the City organization for greater efficiency and eliminating 41 positions – 22.5 of which are currently filled. The public hearing on the budget will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. The Council is scheduled to vote on the budget package during the Dec. 13 meeting. For more information about the budget proposal, view the budget documents on the Online Newsroom at http://www.cityoftacoma.org/tacomanews.