PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh City Council is expected to take its final vote on the city's 2010 budget on December 15.

Council met Monday to go over several amendments to the budget.

Councilman Bruce Kraus said one of the amendments includes taking $4.1 million out of the city's debt service to balance the budget. Kraus said that might be met with opposition before the final vote.

The budget also includes the 1 percent college tuition tax proposed by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

Despite protests from local college students, it appears the controversial tax has enough support to pass in a vote.

Ravenstahl said the tax would raise $16 million for the city in the $450 million budget.

If approved, it is expected to be challenged in court.

Students filled every seat at an emergency City Council meeting last week in protest of the proposed college tuition tax.

The students told Channel 11 News that they've collected more than 5,000 signatures on a petition and are asking council to reject the mayor's proposal.

About 65,000 students attend colleges and universities in Pittsburgh.