NORWICH – Despite more than $11,000 in budget cuts last year, on Tuesday night, the City of Norwich Youth Bureau Director presented a proposed budget asking for $600 over the amount given last year.

“The Youth Bureau budget for 2008 is $600 higher than last year, and that was just so we could restore the bowling program,” Director Robert Mason told the Finance and Personnel Committee.

Due to extensive budget cuts last year, the Youth Bureau did not have enough money to fund the winter bowling program, however Plaza Lanes Manager Mark Ewen stepped up and made a deal with Mason to ensure the program could go on. Ewen partnered with the Youth Bureau to donate the games for the program free of charge, and Mason donated his time as an instructor. Mason hopes with the small increase, he can restore funding for the program.