The city of Cincinnati has extended its deadline for Cincinnati citizens to take part in an online survey focusing on the city's budget priorities. Citizens now have until this Friday, June 8, to fill out the survey, which asks participants to allocate a theoretical city budget of $100 to several different "strategic priorities," accordingly.
The strategic priorities include:
• Inclusive, Thriving and Livable Community
• Planned and Developed Infrastructure
• Safe Community
• Sustainable Built & Natural Environment
• Commerce & Jobs
The online survey is part of the city's "Priority-Driven Budgeting" process, which has included a series on in-person and virtual conversations intended to garner meaningful citizen input on how city funds can best be spent.
The news of the survey extension comes one day after members of Cincinnati City Council's Finance Committee were briefed on the dire financial issues facing the city regarding the 2013 budget by City Budget Director Lea Eriksen. According to Eriksen's reports, the city faces a deficit of $26.5 million if council members choose to approve an increase in property taxes; if the increase is vetoed, the deficit will hover around $40 million. Council is expected to make a decision regarding the property tax issue by the end of the month.
According to a press release from the city, Eriksen says the survey results will be compiled into data used to assess the programs and services of the city government, which are analyzed in accordance with their contribution to the strategic priorities listed on the survey.
After the survey information is gathered, City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr., will make specific recommendations on which departments and services should be cut when he releases his budget recommendations in the fall, which are expected to be voted on by Council in December.
To access the survey, click here. For a complete list of the city's budget documents, click here.
