Florida County residents give budget suggestions online
Hillsborough County, Fla., is using multiple social media Web sites to gather public input on the county’s fiscal year 2011 budget. County officials are expecting another shortfall in that budget, and they are asking residents what services matter to them most.
Residents can become a fan of Hillsborough County on Facebook, follow the county’s posts on Twitter, or join the discussion on blog posts. They also can send their suggestions by e-mail, or leave voice or text messages at a special phone number. Also, the county’s Web page includes a page dedicated to the budget, as well as live videos of budget hearings and workshops, or archived videos of prior meetings.
All public comments, no matter through which form, will be sent to county management, budget staff and county commissioners for consideration in developing the recommended budget, which will be delivered to the county commissioners on June 3. After that time, the commissioners will discuss efficiencies and possible reductions until the Sept. 23 budget public hearing, during which the final FY 11 budget may be adopted.