Public hearings will begin this month on the city of Langley’s 2010 preliminary budget.

The first hearing will be at the city council’s regular meeting, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at city hall on Second Street. A council workshop will be at 4 p.m.

The budget hearing will be continued to the next council meeting, Dec. 7, if necessary.

The preliminary budget for next year is $4.4 million; this year’s budget is $3.8 million.

City Clerk-Treasurer Debbie Mahler said the preliminary budget shows some increases and some decreases. The general fund, for example, has been reduced to reflect the drop in revenue this year, she said.

Meanwhile, the street fund has been increased, and a new stormwater fund has been created, reflecting a recent rise in rates. Mahler said there are no salary increases projected next year.

Copies of the budget are available at city hall.