Budget committee sets monthly meetings, adds monthly financial review and public comment to agenda

Belgrade's Budget Committee voted to hold regular meetings at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and adopted two new standing agenda items: a monthly review of the prior month's financial statement and a regular public-comment period. Committee members also agreed to postpone election of officers until the July meeting so reappointments and attendance can be finalized.

The schedule motion was made and seconded during the meeting; the transcript records members' assent but does not provide a full roll-call in the record. Committee members said regular monthly meetings will allow the group to address parking-lot projects during the summer and shift to active budget review during the formal budget window.

At the same meeting participants moved to add a standing agenda item to review the last month's financial report. Proponents argued monthly reports will give department directors timely information to manage line items and reduce end-of-year surprises. The committee also approved adding a standing public-comment period so residents can raise issues not on the posted agenda.

The committee tabled officer elections until July, when members expect reappointments to be concluded and a quorum likely to include alternates who will fill expiring terms. The committee said the July meeting will also include swearing-in for reappointed members.