By Jill Harmacinski
Staff Writer
Sat, May 17 2008 LAWRENCE — What will it be: New sidewalks, better snow plowing or cheaper water and sewer rates? The mayor and City Council want to know what folks want from the next city budget. Tomorrow night, residents and businesspeople can tell them during an open forum at the senior center. The forum is being held so people can learn more about the fiscal 2009 budget-planning process. City leaders also want your insight, ideas and input as they head into budget season. "It's about telling us what city services are most vital," said Mark Andrews, city budget and finance director. "We'd like to hear your input and questions ... to have a good public discussion." City Councilor Grisel Silva, who serves on the City Council's budget and finance subcommittee, said she believes this is the first time the city has made such a directed effort to get residents and businesspeople involved in budget process. "We'd like to gather data on what the public is looking for," Silva said. "What are the necessities people want?" Both Andrews and Silva said they are hoping to see representatives from various neighborhood groups tomorrow night. It's an amicable start to a budget process that can get dicey in this city. To say the least, budget planning was rocky last year, with the council and Mayor Michael Sullivan at odds over the bottom line. In the end, the council approved a hike in water and sewer rates, and taxes were pushed to the levy limit. The council's final vote on the $236 million budget ended in early January when the city, then broke, laid off 42 employees. The fiscal 2008 budget was finally approved by state Department of Revenue in February. The residential tax rate now is $10.01 per $1,000 of valuation, while the commercial tax rate is $20.55 per $1,000 of valuation, Andrews said previously. He noted that tomorrow's forum is an attempt "to get over the pitfalls of the last couple of years." A main theme "is we want people to know how the city budget is created," Sullivan said. A "pie-chart" presentation will show how the budget absorbs federal, state and lottery aid as well as tax money and more. "We'll show them where the money goes and how Lawrence operates now," Sullivan said. City department heads have already been asked to plan their next budget using three budget forecasts: a level-funded budget, a budget that reflects a 5 percent cut and a final scenario with a 10 percent drop, Andrews said. A draft of the budget is due to the City Council in May.
IF YOU GO Community budget forum Tomorrow night 6 to 9 p.m. Lawrence Senior Center, 155 Haverhill St.
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