If you've missed it before, Christiansburg residents have benefitted from the time and money one citizen has dedicated -- creating a virtual "Library of Christiansburg Town Council" anyone with a computer can easily access.
Using the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Carol Lindstrom has methodically built a library of public information which documents our town government and not found anywhere other than throughout various departments in town hall.
Maybe you don't want to go there and ask for permission to view public information, maybe it's not kept current at the public library. Maybe it's not convenient or maybe you don't think it's anyone's business what you want to view or read.
These records now include several years worth of council and planning commission meetings. It includes complementary audio recordings of these same government bodies when they met this year, so even if you were unable to attend you can listen to the public meeting.
Now, the general ledger of what bills are paid is included at this web site, along with the town's code and charter, Comprehensive Plan (as required by the state), fiscal budget (as required by the state), building permits and a wealth of other citizen resources.
Anyone who regularly frequents a town meeting knows the "Comprehensive Plan" is often referenced. But what does this include, and what does it mean as relates to current or future services and tax rates? Most citizens have heard "The Ten Year Plan" mentioned to justify a vote, but never had a grasp of what this plan included, much less when it was created.
Having this great resource established at no cost to the town didn't stop council from proceeding with a revamp of its own web site. It will be interesting to compare and contrast how these two sites present the same information, or perhaps complement each other. Both will serve citizens well in helping to make our government transparent and open. It's amazing one person, with finite resources, could do what the town itself would not -- make public information readily available via the internet.
As suggested, "When looking at any of these documents, don't get so caught up in the fact that 'something' happened that you don't go a bit further and try to find out the WHY!!"
To find out the why, visit this web site often -- add it to your weekly reading or study list. Generate questions you would like to learn more about and contact our Town Manager's or Mayor's office. Or call a town council member and attend a meeting or two. Ask your questions, develop an understanding of the "what" and "why" behind how Christiansburg's government operates.