EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County's proposed budget will be 3.5 percent lower than last year, and is projected to keep the tax rate the same as last year.

Chairman Alan Dunstan presented a budget of $123,862,526 for fiscal year 2013, including $4.5 million in spending cuts. It was unanimously approved by the county Finance Committee at its October meeting.

Dunstan said it is the fifth year in a row of budget reductions.

"While this budget includes cuts to special revenue and capital project funds, it is a balanced budget that enables Madison County to provide the services our residents expect and deserve," Dunstan said.

The general fund, which controls most salaries for county employees and most major operations, increased by 0.8 percent from $42.8 million to $43.1 million. Special revenue funds were cut by 7.7 percent and capital projects were cut by 11.3 percent to compensate for the increase.