The Town Council will hold a 2013 budget hearing Thursday and a public meeting to approve the budget Oct. 25, the same evening of its October study session.
Council officials already have acknowledged Dyer will have to make tough decisions. The town has been operating at 2012 levels with revenues comparable to the money it had in 2005.
When the Lake County Council declined to pass an income tax, the town's tax levies were frozen by the state at a level that gives any county community little room for error.
The town will be asking for a $3.89 million budget, which must be approved by the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance after the council approves it.
The bulk of the money requested is in the general fund, which covers salaries and benefits.
The town may have some leeway in utility money. Some of the revenue from monthly stormwater, water and sanitary fees could be used for partial salary payments when employees do work that is utility related.
However, reliance on utility money would put a strain on projects the utility boards are meant to do, Town Attorney Bill Enslen has said.
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