ALEDO — Residents will see a slight reduction in tax bills for fiscal year 2013.

On Monday night, city council members heard the first reading of a proposed $365,000 tax levy, $8,421 less than last year's levy of $373,421. The council also heard the first reading of the proposed budget of $5,871,128, down $152,188 from last year's budget of $6,023,316.

Sarah Bohnsack, city finance director, said one of the reasons for the decrease was the anticipated decline in equalized assessed valuation, from $39 million last year to $36.5 million.

Also on Monday, council members heard Mel Bogus, Roosevelt Military Academy alumni president, state that the organization's relationship with the city has not changed. The group wants to continue talks with Aledo on erecting a statue honoring the spirit of the academy.

Earlier this month, Mercer County Board members approved a request from Ron Jutkins for the statue to be erected on the court house lawn.

"Our attitude towards Aledo has not changed," Mr. Bogus said. "This is where the RMA was. We were an Aledo school, not Mercer County. We will continue to work on getting a site in Aledo."

In other business:

-- Mayor Bill Breeden announced Ms. Bohnsack will serve a dual role as finance director and city administrator. The city has hired Kathy Albert as director of economic development, he said.

-- Council members approved the low bid of $45,000 from Bates Utility Company, Weldon Spring, Mo. for manhole repairs. Steve Moller, director of public works, said the city received eight bids ranging from $45,000 to $170,000.The project will repair 30 manholes, he said, "with 300 more to go."

-- Council members agreed to donate $1,300 to the Mercer County School District athletic boosters to help defray the cost of meals provided at the hospitality tent during the state championship game Friday.