On the other hand, the council plan will save the city $4 million.

Mayor Rocky Anderson wanted to bond for the city's $8 million portion of the Salt Palace expansion. Over 20 years of the bond, the tab would actually total $12 million.

But the council has instead decided to dip into the city's savings account or redevelopment fund as well as use $6.4 million in one-time funds the city will receive from refinancing other bonds. Anderson had suggested using those millions for capital projects, such as renovating Pioneer Park and 300 South and building a Major League Soccer stadium.

"We understand that using one-time money may impact other opportunities, but this obligation [the Salt Palace] is a higher priority," the council wrote the mayor Thursday.

Deeda Seed, the mayor's spokeswoman, said he was disappointed.

"We believe they are important projects, important to the health of our city. Capital improvement projects provide a lasting legacy for our citizens," she said.

Those other capital projects still could be funded with other money, though the council was ready to, but didn't, reject the mayor's plans for Pioneer Park on Thursday night. The renovation - including a dog park, cafe, stage, upgraded space for the Farmers Market, a new playground, new restrooms, historical elements, volleyball and basketball courts, an Olympic-sized ice rink and a water screen on which to project films - would cost $7 million.

The renovations would be divided in stages. Some of the money would come from the more-popular Liberty Park.

The proposed rink and water screen, which would be built in later stages, are the most controversial.

"They don't want them," Councilwoman Nancy Saxton said of Pioneer Park advocates.

The council could decide by summer's end whether, and how, to renovate the underused park.

In other business:

l Council members quesÂtioned the mayor's proposal to leave the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

"It sounds like we want to be on another planet," said Councilman Dave Buhler, who said the city already has a reputation of going it alone because of the mayor.

l Council members also signaled they would go along with the mayor and increase parking meter fees from 75 cents to $1 an hour. They believe the hike may help retailers because it would encourage more turnover at the meters.