The 2024 budget process is officially underway for the city of Janesville as the city council met in special session Tuesday afternoon.

Finance Director Dave Godek says the nearly $913,000 in additional state aid comes with some strings and must be spent on transportation, public safety, or public works; but the city will be able to spend the money with no problem.

Godek says there are some ways to decrease expenditures such as hiring freezes, but those are a temporary solution that increases overtime and shifts workloads to already overworked employees, thus isn’t a strategic option.

Godek says the city could decrease programs and services, but the community expects a certain level of amenities and that’s what they’re aiming to provide.

The council is expected to approve the 2024 budget at a meeting in November.