The City Council’s annual budget hearing, which is open to the public, turned out to be nothing more than a formal exercise. According to the story in the MDJ, “Wednesday’s hearing still counts for the record and despite a lack of public comment, the path is now clear for the City Council to adopt its proposed $47.9 million budget later this month.” The council will vote on the budget June 14.

The annual hearing, which is required by law, is always held to seek out the public’s comments and opinions. According to Diane Sellitto, who works for the city, the meetings usually only bring a few people in, if any at all. The MDJ reports that the 2007 budget calls for more than 7 percent higher in spending than the initial 2006 budget; this year’s proposed budget is nearly $50 million.

Do you consider our local government open to your concerns? For anyone who’s been to an annual hearing, what was it like? Was it effective, in your opinion? Are we too busy to care about how our taxes are spent or do we simply trust our City Council?

Let your voice be heard, Marietta!