With some final debate and an eventual split vote, Lamesa City Council members on Thursday gave initial approval to a proposed 2019-2020 budget that projects a deficit of almost $536,000 in the general fund. That budget will be up for consideration again on second reading at another council meeting set for 5:30 p.m. this coming Tuesday at City Hall. After council members and city staff hashed over the budget numbers during several prior meetings and work sessions, Thursday’s discussion focused on adding a new position for an investigator in the police department. That discussion was not on whether the position was needed but ...