Stoneboro council members said Wednesday they were not ready to give tentative approval to a 2004 budget package because the general fund still needs some work.

They have scheduled a special meeting for 7 p.m. Thursday to do just that.

Council President Fred Houser said he expects to complete the work, which will involve shaving some expenses, but added "it's not really a significant amount."

As it stands so far, the general fund shows a projected income of $271,931 with estimated expenditures of $322,414, leaving a $50,483 deficit, according to information listed in packets given out at Wednesday's meeting.

Council expects to eliminate that deficit before advertising a tentative package.

Houser said council will also discuss real estate taxes and sewage rates, as those will have to be set with the budget.

He doesn't expect a vote on the tentative package until the regular council meeting on Dec. 10.

Houser said he anticipates that a special meeting will be scheduled in late December to adopt the budget.