Ames residents told the city where they want their money to go Tuesday night.

The Ames City Council presented community members the 2008-2009 budget Tuesday night to receive feedback on how the money should be spent.

Duane Pitcher, finance director for the city of Ames, said during the 2007-2008 year the total revenue was roughly $173 million and total expenditures were about $179 million. They project this year’s budget to be similar.

Roy Cakerice, Ames resident, asked that Carr Pool remain open. He asked for a subsidy of $40,000 to keep the pool operating. Ames resident Suzie Petra agreed with Cakerice, and suggested the pool be used by senior citizens.

Another Ames resident suggested that money be used for neighborhood upkeep. She asked that about $14,000 be spent on each house for upgrades to keep Ames property values high. She suggested that this be a trial year, with five houses to be chosen for upkeep. She asked for a total of roughly $70,000.

Joe Merchant, Ames resident, asked for continued support of the Hunziker Youth Sports Complex. He encouraged the City Council to provide $25,000 to continue maintenance of the field. He said this was important because children from other communities use the complex, which attracts outside business to Ames.

Other residents had suggestions for improving the quality of Ames, such as founding an electronic waste recycling station, city sponsorship of the farmer’s market, and creating an additional yard waste pick-up day in the spring.

In November and December, the City Council will review the issues presented and create priorities for the 2008-2009 budget.

Throughout January and February, City Council will continue to review the budget proposal, and a final budget hearing and adoption will be scheduled for May.