Members of the Sycamore City Council recommended Wednesday night to send a proposed budget for fiscal year 2012 to the full council.

“This spending and revenue plan is a living and breathing document, and we will live by it every day,” said Mayor Ken Mundy. “It will not be placed on a shelf and ignored until next year.”

The proposed budget accounts for $48.5 million, with the general fund being the largest of all the city’s funds.

“The general fund has three major categories: property taxes, sales and use taxes, and intergovernmental revenue,” said City Manager Bill Nicklas.

Both the anticipated revenue and expenditures of the general fund are expected to total $13 million for FY12. The general fund supports the police department, fire department, public works department and other sources.

As in the previous fiscal year, a general revenue shortfall is expected, which has resulted in limiting the FY12 general fund’s operating costs. According to the budget, this is primarily based on limited sales tax revenues and a dip in local residential construction. Many areas in the budget such as fire and police supplies, vehicles and contractual work have been cut in order to make up for the shortfall.

Major projects in the budget include engeneering on phase II of the treatment plant, improvements as part of the sewer fund, and the drilling of well 10. The budget also includes construction work for the well 10 building and the radium treatment facility as part of the water fund.

It is not known when the budget plan will be approved by the council.