The city of Willard's proposed budget for 2010 is ready for public perusal, and the city is putting the document online for the first time.
The 2010 proposed budget includes revenue of $4,223,665, down nearly 10 percent from the projected 2009 budget, and expenditures of $4,221,315, down 12 percent.
The city is budgeting for a roughly 5 percent increase in sales tax revenue, due to what it calls an expanded tax base as well as expected improvements in the overall economy. City spokeswoman Kate Gould said several new restaurants and retail businesses have opened in recent months or are scheduled to open, leading to the expected sales tax increase; Gould said the city is experiencing "the most growth we've seen in a decade."
The budget is available through the city's Web site, www.cityofwillard.org.
Citizens are invited to two public hearings on the budget; the first is tonight at 7 p.m. in Willard City Hall, while the second is Sept. 28 at the same time and place. Written comments also will be accepted until 5 p.m. on the 28th. It is the first time the budget will be available for review and comment before the Board of Aldermen's budget workshop, which also will be Sept. 28.
"For a lot of years, the budget has been available by request," Willard Mayor Jamie Schoolcraft said in a news release. "It is so much more than a financial document that we decided to really change how we craft the budget. If citizens have projects or programs they want to see done next year, now is the time for them to come forward."
Citizens are invited to speak at one or both public budget hearings; each speaker gets five minutes.
April 7 was the official opening day for Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant Show Me Chuy after a soft launch that started March 31; marketing agency AdZen debuted; and the Almighty Sando Shop opened a brick-and-mortar space.
