Want a voice in how the city of Corpus Christi divides its funding in the upcoming year?
Residents can weigh in this week and next on how much money goes to departments, including those such as parks and recreation, that affect their daily lives.
According to a news release announcing the meetings, the intent is to “provide community members with an opportunity to express their priorities for the upcoming fiscal year before the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is developed.”
“Attendees will have the chance to speak directly with the City Manager, City Council members, and representatives from key departments, including Police, Fire, and Public Works,” it states.
An initial version of the budget, as recommended by City Manager Peter Zanoni, is expected to go before the City Council for preliminary review and public discussion July 28.
Typically, the original version presented is revised by the City Council several times before final adoption.
The first of the council’s two votes approving the budget is usually scheduled for the beginning of September, roughly a month before the first day of the new fiscal year, Oct. 1.
The biggest items in building the budget are often those that set property taxes and utility rates.
Although the city manager recommends a version of the budget, decisions are ultimately in the hands of the City Council.
While the city-organized meetings are intended to collect input, they will not be the only shot residents have to comment on the budget prior to its adoption. Among the options are direct communications with the City Council and public council meetings.
The community meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations, according to the news release:
June 29
Owen R. Hopkins Library, 3202 McKinzie Road
July 1
Ethel Eyerly Senior Center, 654 Graham Road
July 8
Corpus Christi Water — Choke Canyon Conference Room, 2726 Holly Road
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Share your feedback with city of Corpus Christi on upcoming budget
Reporting by Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times | USA TODAY Network
