Calendar

City invites participation in budget process

Online budget tools available now; in person events next week

Have you ever wanted to take a hands-on approach to the City budget? Now’s your chance. The City of Healdsburg recently launched two online tools that allow residents to offer input and list priorities for City spending.

An online budget simulation tool allows you to actively engage in the budget process. You can adjust revenues and expenditures, then provide your thoughts and comments on each department’s budget.

A second tool focuses on your priorities, with a simple and engaging exercise where you review a group of City priorities, such as programs and services like parks, streets, police and more, then tell us what matters most to you. Budget dollars are not unlimited; if you choose to invest more in one priority, you have to spend less on another.

“These are your tax dollars, and this is your opportunity to tell the City how you want to see them spent,” said Healdsburg Mayor Chris Herrod. “Check it out and help us build a balanced budget.”

Not keen on the online option? There are two in-person opportunities next week to learn more about the tools, or to fill in paper surveys that answer the same questions.

Tuesday, March 3, a Spanish-language session will be held at the Abel De Luna Community Center, 1557 Healdsburg Avenue, at 6 p.m. The event will be conducted primarily in Spanish, and childcare will be provided.

Wednesday, March 4, an English-language session will be held at the Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson Street, at 6 p.m.

Both sessions will be led by Healdsburg Finance Director Katie Edgar.

To access the online budget tools, visit healdsburg.gov/budget.