Des Moines council members got their first look at the city's proposed 2007 budget on Nov. 16.

The budget of almost $50 million calls for operating expenses of $29 million and capital spending of $21 million. It is based on anticipated revenues that include $12.5 million in local tax revenues.

Lawmakers were scheduled to discuss the budget further at a special meeting on Nov 18.

City human services programs garnered much of the attention from lawmakers during their initial discussion, primarily a lack of funding for many organizations in need.

"I am extremely disappointed in the amount of money you have to work with, with all the needs out there," Councilman Dan Sherman said to the members of the Human Services Committee.

Other council members echoed that opinion, but they suggested there is enough to help everyone.

"You can't spend money you don't have," Councilman Ed Pina said.

Putting things in perspective, Mayor Bob Sheckler added, "If everyone had their way, it (the human services budget) would be much bigger."

The proposed 2007 budget for human services is $74,500, which equals the amount budgeted for this year. That funding level is down by $105,000 from 1998.

Sherman offered to lead the Human Services Committee for the 2008 budget process because of his concerns with the distribution of funds.

"I don't know why we are giving less to King Country Sexual Assault (Resource Center)," he said.

Sherman also put priority of the Crisis Clinic as another organization that needs more assistance. He did, however acknowledge the difficulties in helping everyone.

"Each of us will have our own priorities for who we would help," he said.

In other business, the council voted 7-0 to terminate the city's contract with Yakima County for jail services.

The city entered into an agreement in 2002 to house inmates from Des Moines in the Yakima County facilities. That agreement required Yakima to have a new jail facility ready to house inmates by 2004.

Yakima did not have the new facility ready by then, and while the jail is now complete it is still not open, Yakima officials say they can't open the jail due to lack of funding.

The council also stated that four studies have concluded that Yakima County is failing to provide proper care for inmates sent there by the city of Des Moines.

The termination of the contract will become effective in one year.