There will be no tax increase for residents in 2010. That’s what Councilman James Eister said after City Council approved the first reading of the 2010 budget.

“If approved,” Eister said, “the budget amount will be $4,181,450. And the city will be debt-free.”

City Council members at a Monday night work session also approved final recommendations for six community projects that will receive shares of $288,640 in federal Community Development Block Grant money.

A final vote of approval, however, still needs to be taken.

Voting for six projects were Mayor Jesse Woodring, and Councilmen Eister and Kevin Troup. Councilmen Mark Walberg and John Shipman were not present at the work session.

The projects that will receive funds are as follows:

n City of Sunbury, $145,000 for continuation of funding for riverfront project design services.

n American Legion Post 201, $16,100 for street clock repair and restoration.

n Sunbury Fire Department, $20,000 toward purchase of a rescue tool. Total cost of the tool is $45,874.

n Keithan’s Blue Bird Gardens Committee, $12,100 to help replace the roof on a small house at the garden and provide additional lighting to curb vandalism. Total cost of the project is $20,000.

n City of Sunbury, $73,340 for demolition of condemned or vacated properties.

n City of Sunbury, $22,100 for Market Street beautification, including installation of planters.

Later in the meeting, Woodring announced that, beginning Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, there would be two-hour free parking on all metered streets.

Friday is also the date of the annual holiday/Santa parade, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at 10th and Raspberry Avenue. The parade route continues on Market Street, to Fourth Street, Chestnut Street and ends at South Fifth Street, Central Park. Santa will talk to kids after the parade.