Public Invited to Weigh In on County Budget

Maui County News Release

Mayor Charmaine Tavares is hosting a budget meeting for the community this September, taking public testimony regarding the proposed budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Citizens with an interest in the county budget are encouraged to attend and offer testimony as individuals or on behalf of an organization. Both written and verbal testimonies will be accepted.

Officials will be on Molokai on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at the Mitchell Pauole Center. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public hearing will start at 5:15 p.m., followed by the budget meeting at 5:30 p.m.

The budget meetings are designed to provide an opportunity for members of the community to present what is needed for their area. Input from the community meetings will be taken into consideration when the administration constructs the fiscal year 2011-2012 budget.

“Each year before submitting my Administration’s proposed budget to the County Council, I begin by gathering input from the community,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “This is an important first step and I encourage the public to participate. Their suggestions and concerns are valuable and appreciated.”

The office of the CDBG will conduct public hearings preceding the Mayor’s budget community, to gather views and comments from interested persons who wish to participate in the preparation of the County’s proposed Annual Action Plan for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The Action Plan is related to the County’s grant application for approximately $2 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Community Development Block Grant is a federal program created by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-383).  CDBG funds received will be utilized for housing and community development needs primarily benefiting low and moderate income persons.

For more information on the budget meetings, contact the County of Maui Budget Office at 270-7855 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/budget. For information on the CDBG public hearings, contact the County of Maui CDBG Program Office at 270-7213 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/mayor and click on Community Development Block Grant.