Months of deliberation and discussion ended Nov. 19 as the City of Sammamish approved its 2013-14 biennial budget.

With councilman John Curley absent, the City Council unanimously approved the two-year budget, totaling just over $107.8 million.

“I think what we’ve ended up with is a very good budget,” councilman Tom Vance said. “I appreciate all the hard work.”

While everyone agreed to approve the city’s financial plan, some still had reservations.

Councilman Romiro Valderrama was particularly worried about the $6.8 million set aside for parks over the next two years — placing it as the second highest line item behind police and fire services.

“I am very concerned that we live within our means, in particular in the area of the parks,” he said. “I love the parks, I’m a heavy user of them, but it has to be sustainable and the process that we’re undergoing now I don’t think is fair to our citizens because if we continue this process I don’t believe we will be able to sustain and maintain the parks like we’re used to.”

Valderrama also voiced concern about the hiring of new staff — something he said directly contradicts the state of the economy and practices of other nearby cities.

“We have to be able to look at some cuts coming into play, we have to live within our means here,” he said, referencing future budget planning.

Deputy Mayor John James was in full support of the biennial budget, but noted that if the Community and Aquatic Center gains approval the city’s healthy reserve budget will take a hit.

“I think this is a budget that works for now, but the next budget cycle, I think the council has some harder work to do, especially if we’re not raising revenue at the same time we’re increasing expenses,” James said.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Council also voted to not add a 1 percent property tax increase to citizens.

State law allows the city to “bank” the 1 percent increase for each year it’s not taken. By not increasing the levy, the city will bank more than $186,000 in 2013 for future levies. It will move the four-year total of banked funds to $718,600.