Town of New Hartford

NEW HARTFORD DISSOLVES CITIZENS BUDGET PANEL:

Town residents will not participate this fall in drafting the 2007 town of New Hartford budget, town officials said Monday.

Unlike the past two years, citizens have not been invited to sit in on committee meetings between Town Board members and department leaders.

William Jenkins of Slaytonbush Lane, one of four members of last year's committee, said residents' participation is necessary when putting together a financial plan for the town.

"They should have our input," Jenkins said. "I know last time we were there, we had quite a bit of input as far as what could be approved or not approved on the budget."

Town Supervisor Earle Reed said residents will have a chance to comment on the proposed budget at a public hearing in November.

"My philosophy is, citizens don't have all the information we have," Reed said. "My (department) leaders have too many things going on to sit with residents on the committee."

A tentative 2007 town budget must be submitted no later than Sept. 30 to Town Clerk Gail Wolanin Young, who then can release copies of the budget to the public. The board, meanwhile, will continue to modify the budget. A final budget must be adopted no later than Nov. 20.