From a press release from Councilmember Jean Godden
SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers to hear from citizens their priorities for city government, including programs and services that they would like to see preserved.
“Designing a city budget works best when there is thoughtful and constructive input from citizens,” said Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Council’s budget committee. “It’s going to take all of us to make the difficult choices and steer us in the right direction”.
Since the budget was passed just over three months ago, the City’s sales tax and other revenues have significantly declined and continue to do so. This steep drop mirrors what is happening across the country. As a result, the City finds itself facing an estimated budget gap of more than $25 million dollars – and growing – for 2009.
As a city employee I can tell you that the situation is indeed dire, and there will be deep and serious cuts – even at the utilities. There have already been layoffs and program cuts, and there will be more. So if you have a priority for the neighborhood, you’d best show up en masse and let your feelings be known.