Gulfport Mayor George Schloegel has presented a balanced budget to the city council that involves no increase in taxes.

Since taking office in 2009 Schloegel and the council have been forced to cut expenses significantly to reduce a $9 million deficit. Schloegel said he believes the city has “a very workable” budget for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

The city will see a major cost savings by ending its contract with California-based Southwest Water Co. and handling those services internally.

Schloegel said public works and engineering will become a combined department operating under Kris Reimann, who has been director of engineering.