The Mayor, with the assistance of the Administrative Assistant and Director of Finance, shall forward the annual appropriation ordinance to the Council, with such comments and explanations, in writing, as he may desire, not later than November 15. The Council shall cause at least 5 days’ public notice to be given of the meeting at which it proposes to consider and adopt the ordinance and at that time shall afford interested citizens an opportunity to be heard, after which the ordinance shall be adopted, with or without amendments. If amendments are made which increase authorized expenditures beyond estimated revenues, Council shall provide the additional revenue necessary to produce a balanced budget. The appropriation ordinance shall be adopted not later than December 24, and shall take effect on January 1 following. If the appropriation ordinance is not adopted by this date, it shall be deemed to have been adopted as submitted by the Mayor. (Amended 11-7-17)