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Bladensburg's Town Council unanimously approved its fiscal 2010 budget Monday night, cutting merit and cost-of-living increases, but earmarking money to pay for public works equipment and road improvements.

The $3.9 million budget allocates $20,000 toward the purchase of a $40,000 heavy-duty body truck that can pick up bulk trash that will be bought in fiscal 2011. This year the town will purchase two salt spreaders for a total of $7,500 and a $5,000 riding lawn mower.

The real property tax rate will remain at 74 cents per every $100 of assessed value.

Bladensburg Mayor Walter James said town officials didn't propose cutting the tax rate this year and "we would probably have to look at cutting back on services" if it was examined.

The town will also receive $100,000 from a Community Development Block Grant for road construction, said Tim McNamara, the deputy town administrator. The county-administered CDBG money pays for improving housing, living environment or expanding economic opportunities.

Sidewalks on both sides of 57th Avenue were replaced in fiscal 2009 and the CDBG money could be used for further improvements on that street, James said.

McNamara said the council will likely decide on which streets will be improved in four months.

The town also earmarked $45,000 for a communications systems upgrade to prepare for a countywide switch to a new emergency radio frequency. The money could purchase about five or six portable police radios.

"It's very expensive. We have to start setting money aside," McNamara said.

James said the town is able to save money by dividing responsibilities among multiple staff members.

"Even with these tough economic times, we're maintaining the services, and it's actually costing the town less. We're looking at doing things a little more efficiently," James said. "We have a lot of staff that's also cross-trained."

There is no money in the approved budget to hire a full time public works director or town administrator. For about one and a half years, Police Chief John Moss has been the acting town administrator and McNamara, who is also the code enforcement director, has overseen public works.

E-mail Elahe Izadi at eizadi@gazette.net.