John Mason is reporting in the Register Star the Hudson Common Council adopted the city's 2014 budget, totaling $12.26 million, Tues., Nov. 26. The new spending plan included a tax levy increase of just under one percent. While water rates for users will go up, the sewer rates will go down. As a result, the 2013 total water/sewer rate will carry over to 2014. As for expenditures, the city will see a decrease in the city's contribution to the Employees Retirement System, as well as the overall cost of employee hospital and medical insurance. The budget adoption was nearly thwarted due to the lack of a quorum. As the meeting was called to order, only five alderman were present; a quorum requires six. Following a short recess, Fifth Ward Alderman Carmine Pierro (PEA-arrow) arrived and the vote was taken. Read the full story in the Register Star.