The Winchester City Council has begun its annual budget process with a good prognosis for residents — no property-tax increases.

The council worked through an initial draft on April 7 with Finance Director Jon Pritt saying the $13.8 million budget package is balanced without calling for a property-tax increase.

The budget includes a 4 percent costof- living/merit increase for employees.

It also includes funding for four full-time positions, including a patrol officer, an engineering intern, a Human Resources employee and a fireman.

Top capital items include funding for phase one of an upgraded and expanded City Hall project at $2.7 million with the low bid submitted for the overall project coming in at an even $6 million.

The budget also includes $150,000 for a tracked skid-steer loader and another $150,000 for solar lighting at the city’s Bass Club, tennis courts and Adventure Mountain playground area.

The council has scheduled a subsequent budget workshop at 3 p.m. on April 27 at City Hall.