Finance, Personnel and Audit Committee Welcomes Public Input as it Begins Budget Review
Announces Public Hearing on October 20 at Milwaukee School of Languages
The Milwaukee County Board’s Finance, Personnel and Audit Committee will hold a budget hearing at the Milwaukee School of Languages, 8400 W. Burleigh St., Milwaukee, at 9 a.m. on Monday, October 20, Committee Co-chairs David Cullen and Willie Johnson, Jr. announced today.
The Committee will begin its public review of the 2015 Recommended Budget and has announced a series of meetings, including this unique public hearing in the community.
The October 20th meeting is designed to enhance the public’s access to the County budget process. Budget deliberations are normally held in Room 203R at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, but Johnson said it was important to hold a meeting outside the Courthouse.
“At this critical juncture for the County, we want to make sure we get as much input on this budget as possible,” Johnson said. “Holding a hearing outside the Courthouse provides more access to the budget process.”
The County’s budget of more than $1 billion is usually considered during the weeks of October by the committee after introduction by the County Executive, and Johnson said public input is essential to ensure that the budget represents the needs of Milwaukee County residents. The County Board will also hold its annual public budget hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 3rd at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Cullen added that the budget was the most important document for the County because it determines the County’s priorities.
“This budget contains many challenges as we work to improve or maintain services that people expect from County government,” Cullen said. “I look forward to hearing from the public on this important document.”
Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic said the public hearing will be a key part of the budget process.
“The County Board will be holding public hearings and town hall meetings night and day during the month of October to hear directly from our constituents,” she said. “The needs in our neighborhoods are great. We must find a balance in this budget process that provides services, invests in our County and adds value so we can grow.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.