The Dalles City Budget Committee on Monday started the first of three nights of work on the 2024-25 municipal budget.  City Manager Matthew Klebes gave the budget message, noting the fiscal plan was developed by staff keeping the goals developed in a City goal-setting session last year, including livability, housing, infrastructure, and long-term fiscal health.  Among the budget items Klebes highlighted:  a revamped contract for animal shelter services with the Columbia Gorge Humane Society, which has replaced Home At Last, and comes with a significant increase from previous years but Klebes is confident the services will allow the animal control department to be more responsive to community needs.  He also noted support for new downtown amenities at the behest of the municipal beautification committee, and development of a housing production strategy.  The budget committee will meet again today and tomorrow if necessary at 5:30 in The Dalles City Hall.