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A Resolution setting up procedures for a Pre-Budget Public Comment Period.
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WHEREAS, Section 6.04 of the Metropolitan Charter requires the Mayor to file the Operating Budget Ordinance by May 1 and Section 6.06 requires the Metropolitan Council to adopt an Operating Budget Ordinance by June 30; and
WHEREAS, Section 6.05 of the Metropolitan Charter requires a public hearing on the Operating Budget Ordinance after the first reading and the public hearing is typically held at the second reading of the Operating Budget Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, this schedule allows for valuable public feedback but there is little time or opportunity to incorporate requests into the operating budget; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council desires to provide additional means for the public to provide input into the budget process; and
WHEREAS, a public comment period earlier in the budget process would provide an opportunity for citizens to express their support for various components of the budget or proposed programs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That at the meeting of the Metropolitan Council to be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Metropolitan Council Chamber on the second floor of the Historic Metropolitan Courthouse, the Council shall conduct a special public comment period to allow the Council to hear general comments on public requests for the operating budget or the Capital Improvements Budget.
Section 2. The procedures for this comment period shall be as follows:
A. This special comment period shall be limited to no more than two hours.
B. Individuals or organizations must sign up to speak no later than 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Members of the public may sign up to speak using the Metro Council Public Comment Sign-Up form available at the following website:
https://www.nashville.gov/departments/council/public-comment-p...
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