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UTICA, N.Y. -- Utica mayor Robert Palmieri held the city's first public budget workshop Tuesday night, briefing people at the Jewish Community Center on his proposed 3.75 percent tax hike.

Palmieri told the group that economic growth will be the key to better budgets. He noted progress on projects like the Bossert site and Harza building. He also says he's asked the governor to allow a casino in Utica.

Despite the tax hike, residents felt it was a good start to the budget season.

"I'd like to keep it within the two percent cap, but I understand the financial issues of the city right now is a little lean and we have to do what we have to do to get through," Utica resident Gene Quadraro said.

Palmieri's budget passed the Board of Estimates and Apportionment Tuesday and is moving on to be voted on by the common council in March.