COVINGTON, Ga. - The Covington City Council met Monday night in the first of its scheduled work sessions to review the proposed 2017-2018 City of Covington budget in a meeting that lasted more than two hours.

The council heard from Covington-Newton Chamber of Commerce President Ralph Staffins on his portion of the budget, which includes tourism, economic development and Main Street, as well as Covington Police Department (CPD) Chief Stacey Cotton, E911 Director Mike Smith and Covington Municipal Airport Director Vincent Passariello.

Requests for additional employees, increased funding and replacements for retiring employees were discussed by the council.

The council will meet again Wednesday, May 10 and Tuesday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. If needed, a fourth meeting has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 17 at the same time and location.