The governing board for the Sun City Fire Department approved the 2009-10 budget at Tuesday's regular meeting.

The board voted unanimously to approve the $11.6 million spending plan, which takes effect July 1.

Board members seemed pleased with the finanical plan and were proud of the cohesive effort put in during tough economic times.

"We worked hard on this budget, as we do every year but ... we all worked together - the firefighters, the board and everything worked just perfect," said board treasurer and vice chairman Thomas Stroozas. "We got together and we had our talks, and this is where we end up."

The budget comes in about $400,000 less than the current fiscal budget of about $12 million.

The new plan includes a decrease of about $257,000 for personnel expenses, from $9,489,086 to $9,232,237.

Resident David Nussaf also applauded the budget.

"I think you did an excellent job, and I thank you very much," he told board members.