The chamber will receive $5,500 in 2005-06 to help fund its services, but Executive Director Stacey Liddiard, a former City Council member, hopes the council will increase that amount to $20,000.

"Our chief purpose is communication with the community," Liddiard told the council during a meeting in mid-May. "We need to be a voice for business and strengthen them."

Liddiard also emphasized the chamber's role in publicizing events, strengthening local schools and promoting city identity.

"I'm a great believer in the relationship between the city and the Chamber of Commerce," said Councilwoman Renee Watts. "I can't say enough good about the chamber and the strength and power it provides to the city."

The council will hold a public hearing at 7:30 tonight to consider increasing chamber funding.

"It boils down to a budget decision by the council," said Kyle Kershaw, the city's finance director. "If they want to increase funding that's their prerogative, as long as it meets state law regarding contributions like that. At this point we don't know how it will shake out."

The council, which meets at City Hall, 220 E. Morris Ave. (2430 South), also will vote today on whether to approve the city's 2005-06 budget.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com