LAYTON -- The Layton City Council took the opportunity to thank some of its residents for their willingness to volunteer in the community last week. They started their session by honoring those who participated in the police department's Police Citizens Academy. It offers residents a chance to learn more about police work, including how overwhelming it can sometimes get. The academy prepares residents from around the community to aid the police department in many areas, particularly in comforting families after a difficult legal situation has arisen. In addition, participants learn how to properly handle a weapon and what it takes day in and day out to be a member of the police force.

"Our eyes were opened to what our police have to do every day, and it's a lot tougher than what I ever imagined," one of the participants said.

"We were especially impressed that every person who enrolled finished the course," said Police Chief Terry Keefe. "We were happy to see many of them said they wished they had more time to learn with us."

In other recognitions, the council honored the Davis School District. The district was recently recognized by a national organization as having the highest graduation rate among large school districts across the country.

The 2006/07 fiscal year budget was also approved at $48.87 million. While an increase, that is mostly due to the $3 million-plus west Gentile Street improvement project.

"The positive for the new budget is that the cost of a first garbage can collection is going down $1.75 per can and also that there are no added taxes," said City Finance Director Steve Ashby.