Heads up, Marietta residents. It's time to have your say on how the city's money gets spent. The City of Marietta officials are gearing up for a public hearing on the fiscal year 2025 budget, set for June 5, where taxpayers can weigh in on what's projected to be a $420.8 million pot. Mark your calendars for a 6 PM meeting in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 205 Lawrence Street, as per the city's announcement in their website.
The millage rate, which stands at 2.788 mills, isn't expected to budge. Also on the docket is a $76.9 million general fund budget which counts fundamentals like police, fire, and public works among its beneficiaries. For anyone ever griped about a pothole or a long response time, this meeting could be your chance to speak up.
So what's everyone getting for their hard-earned tax dollars? Well, the general fund encompasses a variety of crucial services — an umbrella under which parks and recreation, code enforcement, and planning and development take shelter. Streetlights, lifeguards, and the folks who make sure buildings won't fall down – that's where your property taxes go.
Citizens that have something to say or queries that demand answering can join city staff, as they're set to present the budget rundown. Following the budget breakdown, the floor will be opened up for comments and questions. It's democracy in action, or as close as it gets when talking tax dollars and municipal planning. And if you miss your window to speak up on June 5, there's still a shot at the June 12 City Council meeting when the budget goes up for its final stamp of approval.
For further intel – maybe you're a numbers person, or perhaps you just want to make sure there's enough left in the kitty for that new skate park – Marietta’s Finance Department/Budget Division is ready to take your call at 770-794-5544. Don't wait till the last minute, though. The more you know going in, the better you can fight your corner. Remember, it's your city, your cash, and above all, your future.
