Mercer County Regional Council of Governments has passed a 2004 budget that calls for no increase in operating assessments charged to its 26 members or the fees and assessments charged for participation in its programs.

COG's general operations budget is $355,500, up $5,500 from this year.

Administrative staff salaries are going up 3.2 to 4 percent, with Executive Director James DeCapua getting the smallest increase in his base pay and longevity pay.

The board also approved these budgets Wednesday: Shenango Valley Regional Lockup, $81,000; Greenville Regional Lockup, $120,000; Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, $86,000; Mercer County Drop-Off Recycling Program, $144,300; Chestnut Run Swim Beach, $59,000; Lackawannock-Shenango-West Middles Swimming Pool, $17,000; Shenango Valley Softball/Recreation Complex, $12,200; sewer line inspection and cleaning, $10,000; insect and weed control, $850; Lakelands Area Police Communications Committee, $4,000.