Members of the public are invited to participate in a pred-budget public comment period at the next Metro Council meeting, Tuesday, March 15. While we hear informally from constituents and groups throughout the year, this public comment period will provide an opportunity for the council to more systematically hear about the community’s top priorities for the budget.
The mayor’s budget process is well underway, informed by on-going citizen input and department requests. That budget goes to press in coming weeks and will be published on May 1. By charter the council is required to have a public hearing on the published budget in June, but there is a very short window for acting on that input.
The March 15 public comment period will provide the council members three months to look into the details of issues raised. When we receive the budget on May 1, we will be better equipped to respond to the comments that come in through the charter-required public hearing on June 7 and develop our amendments to the budget by the June 17 filing deadline.
To participate in the March 15 public comment, speakers will need to sign up by March 8 at nashville.gov/departments/council/public-comment-period/guidelines
I hope everyone is enjoying the arrival of spring. Please let me know what is on your mind. You can reach me at burkley.allen@nashville.gov or 615-383-6604.
Regards,
Burkley Allen
Metro Council At-Large