Little public interest was apparent at an open hearing Monday night to receive public input for the City of Washington’s 2010 budget, as no citizens attended the hearing and no one looked at copies of the proposed budget in the week before.

“No one came to review the budget, and no one attended the required hearing Monday night,” Washington City Administrator Mike Eskew said.

Washington Mayor Willie Burns and the City Council are expected to formally adopt the $18 million city budget for 2010 at its regular scheduled meeting Monday, December 14, at 6 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.

Copies of the City of Washington’s proposed 2010 budget had been made available for public review during regular business hours of the city’s business office.

At a recent city council retreat, the Washington City Council completed work on its proposed 2010 annual budget for the city, which by law has to be a balanced budget. The state budget crunch has not affected the city’s budget. “We don’t depend on the state of Georgia for any supplements,” said Mayor Burns, “except for the rent of a few state offices here.”

Prior to next Monday night’s regular meeting, there will be seven brief public hearings to consider the renewal applications for distilled spirits pouring licenses. The hearings will begin at 5:50 p.m. in the council chambers in City Hall.