With a work session on the topic behind them, members of the Dell Rapids City Council approved the first reading of the city’s 2013 budget Sept. 4.

The planning meeting Aug. 27 brought up several inclusions on the FY2013 budget, such as allocations for the 15th Street/Garfield Avenue renovation project, playground equipment upgrades and a water slide replacement, as well as the absence of Old Highway 77 drainage, library utility relocation or Seventh Street improvements.

The council also discussed campground improvements set to take place prior to next year’s Quarry Days celebration.

Councilor Mark Downs asked about the possibility that the 15th Street “phase two” would come in under budget. He queried whether or not leftover money could be put toward improvements on Seventh Street, a project that the council had set aside following a property owner meeting yielding mixed feelings July 30.

Councilor Dave Sommerfeld said that specific uses of leftover street funds, such as street resurfacing on Seventh Street, could be considered later. “Now is the time we have to approve a budget,” he said.

The group has planned the second reading and adoption consideration for the Sept. 17 meeting, with the budget set to officially go into effect Oct. 16.