CAMDEN — Camden Village Council voted to pass a temporary budget for 2016 during a regular meeting on Thursday, Dec. 3.

The budget will not be official until after the first meeting of 2016. The preliminary budget numbers were not available at press time.

“The budget has never been better,” council member Kelly Doran said during the meeting.

In a later interview Doran explained he believed the improved budget will allow the village to participate in more grants to “establish meaningful improvements” within the village.

He also said he is hopeful the village will be able to eliminate the property tax levy in the coming years, but noted many unknowns still exist to be certain if the elimination of the levy is possible.

Doran also spoke about the upcoming construction project on Second Street within the village.

Council has expressed concerns over where residents who live on the street will be able to park during the time of construction.

Doran stated during the days of construction the contractor must communicate with residents and be accommodating, especially during morning and evening hours when residents are going to and from work.

Doran also noted a firetruck must have access to the street at all times so the road must have some access to it during the days of construction for the purpose of public safety.

Doran noted, progression of the project will be dependent on the weather but asked residents to be patient while the project is completed.

The village also elected to move forward with its contract with Rumpke for trash pick-up within the village limits. The contract will remain the same with a slight increase in price from $12.65 to $13.28 for pickups. This is a 63-cent increase.

Two options will exist, with 96 and 65 gallon trashcan options being available. It was also noted the service will offer a once-a-month bulk item pickup for which residents may place up to three “bulk” items on the designated day.

Council also approved Steve Brewer as a full-time worker, after he completed his six month probationary period for new employees. He is taking classes to become certified in in waste water management.

Camden Village Council meets the first and third Thursday of every month. Meetings start at 7 p.m. at the village offices and are open to the public.