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The Knoxville City Council approved the fiscal year 2012-2013 budget during their regular meeting last night. The budget replaced a one percent utility sales tax with a five percent utility franchise fee. It also adds a thirteenth police officer, adds paid shifts to Knoxville Fire and Rescue during the weekend, and sets aside money to make substantial improvements to the city website.

The Council voted on increasing sewer charges by five percent this year as it prepares to start building a new equalization basin as required by the state. That was done as a way to ease in the increase, rather than increase it by 10-15 percent one year.

Mayor Don Zoutte informed the public that there will be a meeting Thursday at the movie theatre to discuss ways to reopen it. That meeting will take place at 5pm.

The Council also approved job descriptions for the Fire Chief and the new Assistant City Manager positions.