Mayor Invites Public Input on City Budget

Madison - Tonight, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz will host the first of three public meetings on the City of Madison budget. All three meetings will take place in August, prior to the introduction of the Mayor's proposed 2009 capital and operating budgets. "This is an important opportunity for Madisonians to make their voices heard on the city's budget priorities for the coming year," said Mayor Cieslewicz. "As Madison families struggle with soaring gas prices and rising health care costs, the City of Madison is also struggling with the toughest budget we've seen in decades. Public input is extremely important to me as we work to provide the best possible services at the lowest possible price." The Mayor's public budget hearings are set for: Wednesday, August 6, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Alicia Ashman Branch Library, 733 North High Point Road Tuesday, August 12, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm East District Police Station, 809 South Thompson Drive Monday, August 18, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Madison Central Library, 201 West Mifflin Street The Mayor will introduce his capital budget on September 2 and his operating budget on October 7. The Common Council will hold hearings during the fall, with final action coming the week of November 10. For more information, visit http://www.cityofmadison.com/comp/budgetindex.htm. Madisonians unable to attend any of the Mayor's budget meetings can also send their ideas and comments by email, mayor@cityofmadison.com.