Citizens can now take a look at the draft 2009-2010 Christiansburg budget.
It's a large file (38 pages), so the notice sent out about this late Wednesday afternoon indicated it could be slow to open (download). A Public Hearing will be scheduled to receive comments, possibly on May 5. A special work session has been scheduled for council to meet this Friday at 9:30 am.
Many websites allow viewing of even larger files, and this doesn't necessarily take f-o-r-e-v-e-r to do. Maybe this is why the town has a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an internet service provider to supply high-speed service to the town hall and up to 10 other town facilities. This should include internet access for more than 160 employees and their personal computers, plus guest access.
Once the draft budget document opens, be sure to visit other public websites and see how their information is presented. Good examples are Blacksburg (295 pages) and the county, where Christiansburg residents also pay taxes (265 pages).
Sharp contrasts -- format and viewing speeds -- but we hear Christiansburg's budget is one of the very few which was easily balanced this year, won't cut services even when opening a new facility for part of the fiscal year that will have a $1.2 million annual operating cost, has funds for expanding bus service, and isn't suggesting any tax increases this time 'round.