Public hearings on the city budget for the next fiscal year begin Tuesday in Louisville.The budget isn't yet complete, and it won't be until May—when revenue predictions are compiled. But in the meantime, the mayor is seeking comments from residents and the Metro Council. Those comments will be used to set the budget priorities.Every year, social service and arts groups that receive grants in the budget send representatives to speak at the Metro Council's budget hearings. These representatives often dominate the hearings, as the allocations are typically the most talked-about part of any city budget.Mayor's spokesperson Chris Poynter says those groups are welcome to speak at the upcoming mayoral budget hearings, but he would prefer if they attended only the March 1st hearing at Metro Hall."What we're really hoping for these hearings that are out in the community—the ones that are not in Metro Hall—is to hear from the citizen's themselves. Certainly non profit groups are welcome to come at any time, but we encourage them to come to the one that's being held at Metro Hall," he says.The budget hearings will be held at the following locations and times:
- Feb. 22, 7:30 pm Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway
- Feb. 28, 1 pm Shawnee Golf Course community room, 460 Northwestern Parkway
- March 1, 1 pm Metro Hall, Mayor’s Gallery, 527 W. Jefferson St.
- March 8, 7 pm East Government Center, 200 Juneau Dr. in Middletown
- March 12, 1 pm Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop
