Challenging department heads to tighten spending by 2 percent helped shave a projected $400,000 deficit for the Niles’ proposed 2012-2013 fiscal year to $48,043 based on general fund revenues of $6,559,790 and expenditures of $6,607,833.

“I know this has been a very difficult budget,” Mayor Michael McCauslin said at the Aug. 6 committee of the whole work session. “This is probably the most difficult one we’ve had since I’ve been on the council.”

There will be a public hearing on the 160-page spending plan at 5:50 p.m. Monday before the council’s 6 p.m. meeting.

The council will consider setting another public hearing for 5:55 p.m. Aug. 27 to vacate the Ney Street right-of-way.

Ney, platted in 1836, has never been used as a road. It is located near the southern entrance to Plym Park, just south of the city tennis courts.

Also on the Aug. 13 agenda, Noon Optimist Club of Niles wants to hold the inaugural Great Pumpkin Race from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, closing Sycamore Street between Third and Fourth streets.

Organizers, who expect 50 to 100 participants, intend to use the Bell Building and the parking lot at Sycamore and Fourth.

Proceeds fund college scholarships for Brandywine, Buchanan and Niles high schools.