Dear Editor, As mayor of Gilroy, I encourage citizens to take an
active interest in the future of our city.
Dear Editor,
As mayor of Gilroy, I encourage citizens to take an active interest in the future of our city.
It is vitally important for the public to understand the types and amounts of financial resources that the city has to spend and in some cases the limitations placed on how these funds can be spent.
This month, I will be continuing the community presentations which began last fall in which the City’s budget and financial plans are presented in an easy-to-understand way. City Administrator Jay Baksa will also be on hand to explain the organization of our city government, and help answer budgetary and other city operations questions.
In an effort to reach as many people as possible, I am seeking invitations to speak to local community groups, clubs and organizations. The presentations are informal, and questions are encouraged. This format presents a valuable opportunity for citizens to get key information and have their questions answered directly.
The purpose of these presentations are to:
– Give the community a better understanding of the city budget
– To describe Gilroy’s form of government, and the legal roles of the mayor, council and city staff
– To explain how the budget funds are restricted to certain types of use
– To describe the volatility of sales tax and other revenue sources for the General Fund
– To discuss the use of General Fund revenues and priorities for use
The first presentation for this fall will take place from 6 to 7:30pm Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Gilroy City Council Chambers, 7351 Rosanna St. As always, the public is invited to attend.
This presentation will be televised on cable Channel 17, and will feature a live call-in so that those not able to attend can ask questions. Evening presentations at Ascencion Solorsano and South Valley middle schools are also being planned.
Organizations interested in scheduling a presentation should contact city of Gilroy Public Information Officer Joe Kline at 846-0254, or Jo*******@**********ca.us.
The only way for residents to be accurately informed and for democracy to function best, is for the people to get involved.
I hope to see more people attending public meetings, asking questions and getting involved!
Al Pinheiro, Gilroy mayor
