The Future of Utica Is in Your Hands: Get Involved in the City Budget Process
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Thanks to Heather Wasielewski for keeping us informed.
For residents of Utica, an important series of events is about to take place that will shape the future of our community for years to come. Between March 18th-20th, the Utica City Council will be holding crucial meetings to discuss and vote on over 50 proposed amendments to the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
These amendments cover a wide range of issues that directly impact every Utica resident’s daily life – from funding for essential services like police, fire, sanitation, and schools, to infrastructure projects, park maintenance, social programs, and much more. How the approximately $180 million in the city’s annual budget gets allocated will determine what services and quality-of-life initiatives get prioritized or scaled back.
One of the most talked-about proposed amendments is a measure that could potentially lower property taxes for homeowners across the city. For families already struggling with the increasing cost of living, a reduction in this major expense could provide some much-needed financial relief.
But that’s just one of the many important amendments on the docket. Others include allocations for road repaving, community center upgrades, expanded youth programming, green energy initiatives, support for local small businesses, and more. The decisions made will chart the course for Utica’s growth, development, and priorities.
That’s why it’s absolutely vital that residents get involved and make their voices heard throughout this process. This isn’t just another mundane city council meeting – it’s a pivotal moment that will profoundly impact Utica’s trajectory for the foreseeable future.
The schedule is as follows:
City Council Meetings
Monday 3/18: 5pm & 6pm
Tuesday 3/19: 5pm & 6pm
Utica City Hall
During these meetings, the council members will debate, discuss, and ultimately vote on which of the 50+ proposed amendments to include in the final budget that goes to Mayor Galime’s desk.
Public Comment Session
Wednesday 3/20 at 7pm
Utica City Hall
This is the opportunity for residents to directly address the council and share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions regarding the budget amendments. Want to advocate for or against a particular measure? Make your case here.
After the public comment session, the amended budget will be sent to Mayor Galime, who then has three days to either approve it or veto it. If a veto occurs, the council would need a 6-vote supermajority to override it – no easy feat given the current divisions within the council.
The decisions made in these crucial days ahead will reverberate across Utica for a long time. That’s why it’s so important for residents to get educated on the key amendments being proposed and have their voices be part of the conversation.
Whether you’re passionate about funding for a particular service, thrilled or concerned about a potential tax reduction, hoping for a revitalized downtown area with more small business support and public art, or simply want a say in how your tax dollars are invested in the community – this is your chance.
For too long, local government decisions have been made without robust input from the very people they impact most. But the power to shape Utica’s future lies in your hands, my friends. The city council and Mayor need to hear directly from us about what matters most.
So study up on the proposed amendments. Attend the council meetings and public comment session. Reach out to your representatives. Start conversations with neighbors, colleagues and friends. This process impacts every single one of us in a very real way.
The doors of democracy are open in Utica over the coming days. It’s time for residents to walk through and help determine the city we want for ourselves, our families, our businesses, and the generations to come. Your voice can and will make a difference. See you at City Hall!
