Hermitage commissioners have introduced a 2004 budget that proposes no increase in taxes.

The $8,640,214 spending plan presented by City Manager Gary P. Hinkson is down from this year's $9,016,312 budget.

The 2003 budget was inflated by a number of capital projects, the scope of which will not be replicated in 2004, Hinkson said. The overall budget figure is comparable with the 2002 and 2001 spending plans, he said.

Revenue has remained steady in the city, buoyed by the 5-mill real estate tax and the 1.75-percent resident earned income tax.

Healthcare insurance is going up 40 percent, the city's contribution to employee pension plans will increase, and the city is throwing some extra money into street paving, Hinkson said.

Commissioners also introduced these budgets: