Kent City Council approved the 2008 city budget in a 5-4 vote during a special meeting last night.

It was the $38.7 million budget’s second appearance at council. Council first tried to approve the budget Nov. 7, but with two members absent, it voted no 3-4. The budget had to be revised.

The new version of the 2008 budget was altered in one way: Mayor John Fender’s budget will increase by $500.

Councilman Rick Hawksley said that money will be reallocated in the future.

Members voted to suspend the next two readings of the budget, which would have occurred at special meetings today and tomorrow, opting to pass the budget with one vote.

Council members who voted against the budget were Edward Bargerstock, Carrie Gavriloff, John Kuhar and Beth Oswitch.

— Steven Bushong