During a recent government meeting, community members voiced their opinions on the proposed city budget, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and efficiency. Edwin Losanta, a resident of Saxon Ridge, expressed strong support for the budget, highlighting the importance of managing overtime costs and pensions. He urged city officials to consider the financial burden on taxpayers, noting that residents are already paying significant amounts for services such as water and waste management.

Losanta, drawing from his experience as a military chief, stressed the importance of relying on professional input when crafting the budget. He pointed out that the budget, which spans 118 pages, addresses the city's needs and includes provisions for essential services like fire and emergency medical services, as well as a reserve fund for unforeseen circumstances.

Another resident, Pat Bodgett, echoed the sentiment of fiscal prudence, particularly for those living on fixed incomes. Bodgett indicated that there are opportunities within the budget to save money without raising taxes, suggesting that careful review and strategic planning could benefit the community.

The discussions reflect a broader concern among residents about balancing budgetary needs with the financial realities faced by taxpayers, underscoring the importance of transparency and professional guidance in municipal budgeting processes.