The budget season may soon draw to a close, pending council approval Thursday.

Despite a few minor bumps, the 2007-2008 city manager recommended budget review process went smoothly compared to last year's tense one.

Two different factors changed this, a new city manager and a different protocol.

Auburn city councilors told city manager Mark Palesh what items they wanted to look at and he put them on a list and moved on. Last year, then manager John Salomone and the councilors battled out points during council meetings, in front of the public and cameras.

Palesh met with councilors one on one to discuss specific points.

Councilor William Graney credits Palesh's style for why this budget season has been better. The informal session allows the councilors to make suggestions and share concerns without the watchful eye of the television cameras, and without the pressure of politics.

"Last year, unions were going against unions. I don't know if it was by design but it was extremely tense. There were people picketing. It wasn't a pretty picture," Graney said.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's edition of The Citizen.