Augusta commissioners approved a plan Tuesday to spare the city a tax rate increase in 2009.

But it'll be a tight year, City Administrator Fred Russell said. Balancing the $688 million budget -- which has about $127.3 million in general fund or operating expenses -- required slashing costs for a list of departments and programs.

"I am not pleased, but I have no choice," Mayor Pro Tem Betty Beard said before voting.

The plan passed 6-4, with Commissioners Joe Bowles, Jerry Brigham, Don Grantham and Joe Jackson opposed.

Much of the budget is based on projections, and whether the commission can avoid a tax increase when the millage comes up for a vote in August depends on economic conditions and fuel prices. To avoid a $3.4 million deficit in law enforcement, Mr. Russell lowered fuel cost projections, adjusted revenues and expenses and plans to take $1 million from the reserve fund.

He had to shuffle his numbers again Tuesday to accommodate last-minute requests from commissioners who felt some cuts were too harsh.

Corey Johnson asked that $50,280 be reinstated for the W.T. Johnson and Doughty Park community centers, and Mr. Bowles wanted $50,000 back for Augusta Soccer Park. The money came out of $150,000 put back in the Recreation Department's budget, which faced a 7.5 percent cut.

"Just remember, when you start closing parks, you're going to have an increase in crime," Commissioner Calvin Holland said. "Just remember, these people are going to need somewhere to go."

Several program cuts were softened through reductions to court programs, the marshal's office, the tax commissioner's office and more adjustments of fuel costs. Mr. Russell said he expects to cut 20 positions next year, but he's unsure how many are filled and how many employees will lose jobs.

Other proposed cuts include $50,000 from the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and $56,250 from the Augusta Museum of History, which was also denied $75,000 for enhancements to its James Brown exhibit. After some wrangling, $25,000 was restored to each museum, with the Augusta Arts Council being cut by $25,000 and Mr. Russell giving $25,000 from his own administrative budget.

Ms. Beard said black history brings busloads of tourists to Augusta each year.

"We need a well-balanced community," she said.

The commission has yet to tackle next year's spending on Augusta Public Transit, which loses an estimated $4 million a year. Mr. Russell has proposed plugging a $2.2 million gap between next year's anticipated revenues and expenses by cutting services and raising fares.

A vote on the transit budget was postponed until after a public hearing on raising rates, which is required under state law.

Reach Johnny Edwards at (706) 823-3225 or johnny.edwards@augustachronicle.com.