Every year, Ashland’s Town Council reviews, revises, and adopts an annual operating and capital budget for the Town. The budget is informed by community and staff input and guided by the Town’s Strategic Plan, which states that the Town’s budget should:
“Support strategic initiatives and policies that promote the long-term sustainability of community financial, environmental, and social resources.”
Community input is an essential and important part of the budget process, and Town staff and members of Council encourage all members of our community to share their ideas, insights, and feedback either ahead of time in writing or in-person at one of the upcoming meetings or work sessions.
Extensive knowledge of the issues our community faces or familiarity with government processes is not a prerequisite for participation. Rather, a passion for our community and an interest in its future is all that is required.
What investments would you like to see the Town make in the next fiscal year, July 2022-June 2023?
Increased funding for our parks?
Expanded sidewalks and streetscapes in your neighborhood and along England Street?
Investments in a particular program or community organization?
Perhaps most important, providing your input early in the process ensures that Town Council is able to give it ample and thoughtful consideration. Please consult the budget schedule in the accompanying graphic and plan to attend at least one of the sessions where public input is encouraged. If you’re unable to attend in person, you can email Matt Reynal, Deputy Town Manager/Finance Director with your feedback.
We look forward to hearing from many of you over the next few months, and to working together with you and our Town Council to manage an inclusive and transparent budget process.
For more information on Ashland’s budget process visit: ashlandva.info/budget