AUBURN – The Auburn City Council approved Monday a $16 million budget with a 2 percent reduction in property taxes on a 7 percent increase in tax valuations.

Budget highlights include a showerhouse and restroom at the RV campground,  as well as streambank stabilization and ballfield improvements at the recreation complex.

The city will contribute $25,000 to the fire department sinking fund, upgrade city phone and surveillance equipment and provide $200,000 for housing programs.

The council approved its one and six-year road plan. The one-year plan includes asphalt paving of sections of S and P streets near the recreation complex.

A $6.4 million sidewalk, lighting  and culvert project on the Courthouse Square and Courthouse Avenue is on the six-year plan.

A $2,000 contribution to the Auburn Chamber of Commerce is in the budget, but the council did not approve the contribution agreement at Monday’s meeting.

There is a 5 percent salary increase for employees. Sales tax for 2020 is so far $12,248 higher than the previous year.

The total property tax asking is $682,809, which is 2 percent less than last year’s tax asking of $706,584.