Picayune’s city council held a public hearing for the 2007-2008 fiscal year budget, but none of the public attended.

Monday evening’s meeting had only city employees and officials mulling over what the specifics of the budget may or may not be.

Council member Leavern Guy was sure to push for more employees in the public works department to ensure city services do not slacken.

“The city residents are used to getting good service,” Guy said.

Council member Anna Turnage said she had no problem with adding some of the personnel that were previously employed, either by the city or under grants, as long as they will work.

City manager Ed Pinero Jr., said they may be able to budget for about four part-time employees in the grounds department.

Earlier this year ditches on Telly Road had piping installed and were covered to make the road safer for motorists. Turnage said she would like to see that take place on more of the city thoroughfares. There was about $100,000 left in the budget from the work conducted on Telly Road, and Turnage suggested using some of that money to replace ditches with pipes.

Those new part-time employees in public works will come in handy for doing that work, Pinero said.

The city is still looking for a qualified person to fill the empty airport manager position, which Pinero has been covering.

The council voted to hold a meeting to approve the proposed budget at 4 p.m. Friday in the council’s chambers.