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Residents urge earlier budget input, call for stronger economic development
Summary
Community members at the reconvened budget meeting urged the town to solicit resident input earlier in the budget process and pushed for more emphasis on economic development to broaden the tax base.
Multiple residents told officials that citizen input needs to happen earlier in the budget process so substantive changes can be made before budgets are finalized. Speakers argued that the current timeline constrains meaningful community influence on line items and service choices.
Several attendees also urged the town to step up economic development efforts, saying businesses are currently a small part of Columbia’s tax base and that stronger commercial growth could reduce pressure on residential taxpayers. First Selectman Steven M. Everett thanked residents for their questions and encouraged continued engagement ahead of the June 30 referendum, noting the boards’ efforts to revise the budget.
