Public discourse a good thing as budgets formed

I think I may have witnessed some history this past week. Constituents showed up at the city of Imperial budget hearings, this year held on two occasions, to comment on concerns they had with the 2022-23 proposed expenditures. For the many years I’ve been covering  city and school budget hearings, I can probably count on one hand the times people have actually come to a budget hearing and commented—for or against.
            And you know what? The hour or so the local residents took out of their schedules to be there made an impact.
            After several people commented on the proposed 17% increase in tax askings, the city council—unanimously, by the way—voted to decrease the tax askings by $200,000. That dropped the increase from 17% to 6.2%, more in line with inflation.
            I’ve commented for years, probably strongly encouraged, that people come to the budget hearings and find out what their elected representatives plan to do with their tax dollars. A half dozen or so showed up this year for the city hearings, and you know what? It showed the council that people were concerned. Our local representatives do listen to constituents, and as one who covered the hearings, the comments were welcomed. There was no animosity on either side—it’s not like what you see on TV or online when taxpayers and elected representatives debate the use of money.
    So, my hat is off to those who took the time to come to the city budget hearings this week. I hope others will follow suit in the future. Budgets are hard to read and understand, but if I can figure most of it out, you can, too! Our council must also be credited for listening and changing course on the budget.
    I hope that constituents don’t just confine their participation in our local government to the budget hearings. Stay informed on what’s happening with your school boards, NRD boards, the county and your village/city on other issues. We try here at the Imperial Republican as much as possible to let you know what’s coming up on some of the local agendas. Agendas are available from all public entities ahead of meetings—you just have to stop in the offices and ask.
    A big election is before us in a few weeks. You’ll be electing individuals who’ll be making future decisions on budgets and other issues. Make sure you’re registered to vote and do some homework on the candidates.