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What’s the biggest question about Seattle’s budget?
The city of Seattle faces a projected $32 million budget deficit this fall, and the city council wants to know how you would fill it.
But don’t get too specific. At meetings scheduled at Seattle Central Community College May 14 and the New Holly Gathering Hall May 21, the city will be asking about general budgeting values, not individual programs. Both meetings start at 6:30 p.m.
The city council will pose five questions to forum attendees, but they’re not releasing those questions in advance because they want residents to come with an open mind.
“The purpose of these conversations is to talk about much more broad, overarching budget themes rather than specific budget programs,” said Megan Coppersmith, council spokesperson.
Most of the questions relate to whether people would be open to user fees or higher property taxes, she said.
People attending the meetings will move in groups to 10 different tables to discuss whether the city’s budget reflects their values, and if they would be willing to pay additional property tax for services.
The city council will not weigh in on the budget until September, after department heads and Mayor Mike McGinn draft a proposal.
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