On Tuesday evening (April 26) there will be a public hearing for the fiscal year 2011-2012 budget. It begins at 6pm in the Bulkeley High School auditorium. If you want to speak, you need to get there early to sign up. These hearings typically last for hours, and at them, someone inevitably gripes about how his/her kids are with a babysitter who was only supposed to be there until eight. Don’t be that person. Budget for the sitter to stay longer or bring the kids with you.
The video below is Councilor Cotto talking about some of the budget basics — where the money comes from and where it goes.
You can also read the City of Hartford recommended budget here. If you’re going to complain about government spending (or cuts) at least take some time to educate yourself first.
Luis
Awesome link to the budget web site. I don’t think that’s been done before. Key reading is the Gen’l Govt pages (Appointed and Electeds & Admin Svcs) as this is where a bulk of the Mayors proposed new stuff is happening. In these two sections you will see the creation of a new Office of the Chief Operating Officer ($1mil) as well as the moving of Recreation under a new Department of Childrens, Families, and Recreation.
Kerri Provost
It’s very detailed. I might be able to finish reading it by Tuesday. I felt the need to link to it because I am tired of listening to complaints from people who have no real idea about what will or won’t be cut, or how we spend our money in the first place.
Thanks for doing the video. If you continue the series past fireplace season, maybe film from the fire escape. The acoustics will be crazy, but you’ll continue with the fiery theme.
Luis
I think this year will be different because there are no proposed big cuts. Normally the Library is proposed a cut and they bring all their troops or Youth Svcs will get cut so all the kids come out. This one might turn into a real grievance session on services (which is welcomed) Snow, Trash, trash bins, Potholes, Recreation, Parks, etc…
Kerri Provost
lack of speedbumps in the non-West End, what the education budget is actually spent on, trash pickup from sidewalk cans…
Heather B
What hasn’t been done before? The budget website? It has been done, as far as I know. What would e different is if they made those PDFs web pages instead of links to separate documents, might make navigation a little easier, but still this is accessible.
Kerri Provost
I think Luis reading the budget is what hasn’t been done before 😛
Maybe no news sources have linked directly to the budget pages?