It’s that time of year again, Joshua. Soaring
temperatures? Yes. Praying for rain? Yes. Back to
school shopping? Yes. There’s one more overlooked August tradition
though. Budget time. Your city council begins the process in
earnest this evening of setting the expenditures and subsequently the tax rate
for our great city. After presentation of all the calculations tonight
there will be two public hearings in August to allow for public input before
final adoption of the budget and tax rate in September. Tonight is a
great opportunity to get engaged in the process by hearing the discussion and
seeing the numbers for yourselves. What a great way to be part of
the process of self-governance! All too often we find ourselves feeling
like it’s “us” against “them”, our government. Here at the local level
you have the most opportunity to really make a difference and we, your elected
officials, always welcome your input. Seven of your neighbors, elected to
make decisions for our city, sit waiting for your comments each month.
Now the most important time of year is upon us in which you can see firsthand
what we’re presented with to continue the services of our city and the effort
to make it an even better place to live.
Your city staff has been hard at work on department budgets
for the last several months and tonight we’ll see the fruit of their
efforts. We’re lucky to have a responsible and caring staff and tonight
we’ll see that represented in number form. Our City Manger leads an
approach to budgeting that you don’t find everywhere starting with a baseline
of what it will cost to do business next year just as we have this year.
Where cuts can be made, cuts will be made and then we’ll look at what we can
do, responsibly, to improve efficiency and quality of life for as many people
as possible.
A copy of the current city budget is available on the city
website at www.cityofjoshuatx.us.
Please join us at City Hall this evening at 6:30 PM.
A.J.
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