HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will once again meet in special session Thursday morning to go over the 2019 budget.

The council still needs to find about $500,000 in cuts in order to keep its year-end balance at around $4.1 million and give employees a pay increase. The cuts come as the city wrestles with a balance between core services and the enhancements that come from parks, the arts and outside agencies.

The city is trying to eliminate the constant spending down of its reserve fund. In 2016, that fund was nearly $6 million. If the budget is approved as the council wants it, the reserve fund again would fall to the $4.1 million mark.

Thursday’s meeting is set for 8 a.m. at city hall.