GAUTIER, Miss. (AP) - The Gautier City Council is considering a proposed budget of $9.599 million, and it's a budget that calls for cuts of $680,000 in the general fund.

The Sun Herald reports (http://bit.ly/ShCQlk ) the council will meet Monday night to take a vote.

More than half of the budget cut would be realized by saving $360,802 by privatizing the public works department.

The city also made cuts in other areas. Garbage pick-up and debris removal contracts were renegotiated to save the city $322,000 and $38,000, respectively. The city also would reduce overtime hours for city personnel, would restructure the police department for additional savings and would reduce funding for cultural support.

Gautier Mayor Tommy Fortenberry said this budget will cause the city to "live within its means."

Information from: The Sun Herald, http://www.sunherald.com

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