Local city councils are welcoming residents to come and voice their thoughts on upcoming fiscal decisions. It was standing room only at Wednesday (10/02) night's Appleton City Council meeting. Nearly 50 citizens expressed concerns about the 2012 budget. It was part of a public forum on city finances. Many took the opportunity to defend services provided by Valley Transit as well as $1 million set aside for renovations to Houdini Plaza and a proposed $3.5 million for a new downtown expo center.

Green Bay residents can talk with the Mayor and city department leaders about the 2012 budget Thursday (10/03) night. The open house forum on the budget will take place at City Hall from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions about the budget proposal, which will be voted on by the common council November 15.

And Manitowoc residents will have the same opportunity to gain insight on their city's budget at a special meeting of the whole committee at 6:30 p.m. Thursday (10/03). The current budget proposal would eliminate nearly 10% of the city's workforce, reduce workweek hours for employees from 40 to 36, and close City Hall on Fridays.