From the official web site: Town Council will hold a work session at Town Hall, 100 East Main St., on November 27, 2012 at 6 p.m. to discuss the F.Y. 2013-14 Annual Budget, updating Vision 20/20 and the possibility of changing meeting dates. Members of the public are welcome to attend. No action will be taken."

An open budget process is relatively new in Christiansburg. Working on it publicly throughout the year is newer, rather than starting the process less than 90 days before a council vote is required by law. Citizens should attend and get more familiar with how the Priority Based Budgeting process is working (and maybe hope for a "dashboard" that gives real time results via its website).

Having a better view of how council defines its Vision 20/20 is another good thing. Not all sitting council members had any input when it was developed in Dublin, VA; and no citizen surveys or public comments were taken beforehand either.

Continuing the discussion about moving regular council meeting dates is great (see previous post). And considering this Work Session is an extra meeting, falling on the fourth Tuesday of the month, shows there is already some flexibility in council's personal schedules.

Citizens need to remember that Work Sessions are guided yet casual conversations between council members. There is no Public Comment in these meetings.

If you can't attend, watch the video or review the formal (limited) minutes. Or you might ask for some media coverage or a summary of meeting highlights to be implemented (in support of having an engaged and well informed citizenry).