The Maryland Heights City Council approved the city’s 2013 budget at its regular meeting on Thursday.

Total revenues are projected to be $38.3 million, an increase of 4.5 percent from 2012, primarily due to grants for specific infrastructure projects. Otherwise, revenues are projected to be stable, up about 1 percent overall. Increases in building permit fees, sales taxes and gross receipt taxes on utilities will be offset by expected declines in gaming taxes and investment income.

Expenditures for all funds are projected to be $41.8 million in 2013, an increase of 13.1 percent over the current year. The increase is primarily due to higher capital improvement expenditures, including $4.9 million in projects that were originally planned for 2012.

Significant projects in the 2013 budget include rebuilding Pheasant Run Drive, Reading Avenue and Driftwood Lane; continuation of the sidewalk infill program; conducting the biannual citizen survey; expansion of senior services; implementation of a new community development software program; expansion of the summer internship program; and increased tree planting.

The budget maintains current service levels and includes a 3 percent across-the-board salary increase for city employees.

The complete 2013 budget is available at www.marylandheights.com/budget.

Editor's Note: This story was a release from the City of Maryland Heights.