Bowling Green City Commissioners are scheduled Tuesay to give a first read to a proposed city budget for the upcoming fiscal year that holds the line on taxes while increasing spending on city projects to their highest level in nine years.

The fiscal year 2016-17 budget was presented for review at the May 17 commission meeting by the city’s budget committee in anticipation of Tuesday’s vote at the 4:30 p.m. meeting at city hall.

City Manager Kevin DeFebbo said in May that the budget calls for no city tax hikes for the 14th consecutive year while also increasing the amount put in a reserve fund and increased spending on things like road paving, sidewalks and parks projects.

That’s possible as city revenues are on the rise since the end of the recession.

“The challenge this year is trying to meet some of these legitimate pent-up needs while not stressing the budget,” he said in May.

City revenues are projected to increase about 9 percent, from $101 million in the current fiscal year to $111 million next year.

Among the items in the proposed budget are:

•$15 million for capital projects, including $600,000 for sidewalks, $2 million for road paving, $1.1 million for the continuing Smallhouse Road widening project and $5.6 million for parks projects, such as a sprayground water feature at Lampkin Park, a new restroom facility at the Lovers Lane Soccer Complex and cosmetic improvements at Fountain Square Park.

•A 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, as well as merit pay increases for some employees, depending on their classification.

•Increasing the amount in the city’s reserve fund from about $12 million to about $16 million. Officials said the larger fund will help the city avoid issues if revenues take a plunge and is also a plus when bond rating firms assess city finances, 

Also Tuesday:

Commissioners will host a public discussion regarding the closing of the CSX Railroad right-of-way at Robinson Road. The move, which will mean the closing of Robinson Avenue this summer, has drawn the ire of many local residents.

The discussion is slated to take place at 5:30 p.m., after the commission meeting concludes.

— Follow city government reporter Wes Swietek on Twitter @BGDNgovtbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.