The City of Evanston will be kicking off its 2010-2011 budget process with an overview/educational workshop on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave. The public is invited to observe or participate in this first session. This workshop will be followed up with several other workshops throughout the community during the month of November. 

“The City of Evanston is facing a very challenging fiscal budget for next year,” said Marty Lyons, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director. “In preparation for this budget, the City is launching the 2010-11 Budget Review process through a series of public meetings held throughout the community.” 

“The public is invited to either observe or participate in these budget workshops. However, to participate in the Nov. 12-30 workshops, interested residents and business owners must have attended the Nov. 7 workshop, which will provide valuable background,” said Mr. Lyons. 

 Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about the City’s budget process and current budget challenges;
  • Provide input with ideas for providing services in the most efficient, effective and economical way;
  • Suggest and discuss new non-tax revenue sources; and
  • Express their opinions about priorities for municipal services.

There will be three additional budget workshops before the recommendations from these are presented at a Special City Council meeting on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center:

  • Thursday, Nov. 12 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St.:
  • Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.; and
  • Monday, Nov. 30, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. 

The 2010 Fiscal Year begins March 1, 2010 and ends February 28, 2011. If residents cannot attend the workshops, they are encouraged to visit www.cityofevanston.org/budget for background information, video recordings of workshops, and an opportunity to express opinions or suggestions regarding the City’s budget.