(MT. VERNON, IL) — The Mt. Vernon City Council at their special meeting Thursday evening approved a balanced 2017-2018 budget.  Revenues are projected to be $873,000 down and a surplus of $608,000 according to City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel’s report. There was a reduction of $1.4 million, including the layoff of seven municipal employees, of which two have returned, and a transfer of $590,000 from the capital fund.   Also, the city received $391,000 during the year with $142,000 of it to be used for wages of employees in Public Works. The remainder will be used to resurface portions of various city streets, which are prioritized by Public Works.