DECATUR -The Decatur City Council on Monday approved collecting $11 million in property taxes for the next fiscal year.

The amount is about $300,000 more than the city authorized collecting last year but $300,000 less than City Manager Steve Garman recommended.

"I think it's good government, and I think it speaks well for the city staff, and it speaks well for this council," Councilman Shad Edwards said. "Maybe, it's not as well as what we'd like it to be, but it's part of a step forward."

Councilman Michael Carrigan, who served as mayor pro tem Monday in the absence of Mayor Paul Osborne, agreed.

"You are right; it is a compromise," Carrigan said. "Well said."

Council members earlier this month agreed informally to collect $11 million but delayed a vote to avoid confusion on recalculating the ordinances.

In a study session, the council reviewed "high priority" projects the city wants to fund through the state capital bill.

The capital bill is under review by state lawmakers.

Priority projects identified by city administrators include securing additional room for the police department; installing permanent infrastructure to pump water from Lake Tokorozawa to Lake Decatur; renewing the city's infrastructure; improving Ash Avenue and Twin Bridge Road; constructing a fire station in the northwest part of the community; extending Woodford Avenue to a new interchange on Interstate 72; building a water tank in south Decatur; constructing a water main from the south water treatment plant to water tanks; replacing the Central Park band shell; and constructing a new bridge crossing Lake Decatur along East Grove Road.

"It's a good start," Carrigan said.

Councilman Shad Edwards said the list did not adequately reflect some of the priorities councilmen agreed to in goal-setting sessions. Councilman Dan Caulkins said the list should focus on "realistic and manageable" water projects with broad regional appeal.

Carrigan said he's "not ashamed of asking" when it comes to requests for state funding.

"It doesn't hurt to ask," Carrigan said. "Quite frankly, sometimes those who aren't shy seem to do better."

Mike Frazier can be reached at mfrazier@herald-review.com or 421-7985.