City commissioners closed the book on the 2010 city budget Tuesday, and on a longtime city division that investigates complaints of discrimination throughout the city.

Commissioners unanimously approved a budget that allows the city to spend up to $157 million in 2010, but commissioners did so over the objections of several civil rights leaders who urged the city to continue to fund its Human Relations division.

“Some people feel they don’t have a voice already,” said the Rev. William Dulin. “If we have less listening ears, I’m afraid some of the concerns are going to be wiped under the table.”

The budget cut the remaining two investigator positions in the city’s Human Relations division. The city will continue to investigate complaints of discrimination, but will use staff attorneys.

Commissioners were urged by three African-American ministers and the president of the local NAACP chapter to reconsider the cuts.

Commissioners were split on the subject. Commissioners Mike Amyx and Aron Cromwell both expressed concerns, although both said they were confident the city would properly investigate future complaints.

“I’m worried that the elimination of that division could give the impression to the community that we might tolerate some injustices,” Cromwell said. “That’s the wrong message to send.”

The cut will save the city about $170,000 per year.

Commissioners were united on most other parts of the budget. Commissioners never flinched from their early stated goal of holding the city’s property tax mill levy steady at 26.68 mills. A mill is $1 in property tax for every $1,000 in assessed valuation.

Commissioners also unanimously agreed to defer a recommended increase in impact fees charged to new construction. The city had recommended an increase of $500 in the fees charged to hook onto the city’s water and sewer systems. A representative from the Lawrence Home Builders Association opposed the fees, saying they were ill-timed. Commissioners agreed to study the issue further and bring it back up before Jan. 1.

The budget, however, does include previously discussed increases in trash and water service rates. Those increases will take hold Jan. 1.

Commissioners technically will give final approval to the budget next Tuesday when they conduct the second reading of the ordinance setting the budget amounts.

In other news, commissioners:

• Approved a plan to operate a shuttle service from downtown to Memorial Stadium for Kansas University home football games. Unlike last year, the city will charge individuals a $1 round-trip fare to help cover its costs to operate the shuttle service. Even with the fares, the service is expected to cost the city about $11,000.