The city of Wright City spent $200,223 more than it anticipated during 2009, the majority of the extra expenditures due to the construction of a new park building. Aldermen unanimously approved amending the 2009 budget at last Thursday's meeting, as expenditures rose to $2,765,011 from the original budget estimate of $2,564,788. The projected revenues of $2,719,539 were unchanged as most of the amendments were minor and covered by transfers, noted Karen Girondo, treasurer/economic development director. Regarding the park fund amendment, she said the city failed to budget the remainder of the funds needed to finish paying off the approximately $453,965 overall cost to construct and outfit the Wil Heiliger Activity Building located at Diekroeger Park. In the amended budget, the park fund increased to $353,591 from $156,200. The difference was covered by carryover funds, Girondo said, from bonds sold to help finance the construction of the park building. The only other major budget adjustment occurred in the construction fund. The city wound up spending $110,500, an increase of $90,500 from the projected figure of $20,000. Girondo said the bump was for the city's contract to have a water study performed on Peruque Creek. Some of the other additions made, according to Girondo, include $1,000 needed to cover payroll for city prosecutor Ethan Corlija, $1,700 for building inspection services and $2,100 for the Southeast Street sewer line update. The amended budget also included several funds that were reduced and money transferred to cover shortfalls. Funds that were reduced by at least $2,000 include court, cemetery endowment, water and sewer. Water and sewer funds saw the largest decreases, as it wrapped up the year with $482,759 and $276,375, respectively, in expenses. The original budget estimates had the water and sewer funds' expenses at $559,578 and $308,278, respectively. The city's general fund rose only to $1,214,589 from $1,211,130. Alderman Jim Schuchmann applauded the department heads for their ability to keep costs down. "You guys did an outstanding job with this," he said. "We cut this budget to the bone and for all you to stay within your allotment and to keep this thing on track is just a phenomenal job. I, for one, appreciate all your hard work." For comparison, the city has projected $2,787,675 in revenues compared to an estimated $3,090,515 in expenditures in 2010. The shortfall will be covered by funds carrying over from the 2009 budget.