Budgets in plain words: the worksheet.

1 Read the Elmbrook budget

Money in this year: local property tax 5,000; fees and charges 1,500; regional and national government 3,000; other 500; total 10,000 (last year 9,500). Money out this year, with last year in brackets: public safety 3,000 (2,900); roads 2,000 (1,800); waste and recycling 1,200 (1,000); administration 1,400 (1,400); parks 800 (900); library 600 (600); debt repayment 500 (500); savings reserve 500 (400). Fill in the table for the four lines you find most interesting.

2 Answer from the budget

What is the biggest area of spending? What share of the money comes from local property tax? Which line grew most, and which shrank? Write one question you would ask the staff who prepared it.

3 Pick your moment

Elmbrook’s made-up calendar: proposal published 1 March; public hearing 20 March; written comments close 31 March; council vote 15 April. When would you send a comment, and why?

4 Your next step

Tick the ones you will try.

• Find my local government’s budget page
• Find the date of the next budget meeting or consultation
• Read the summary and compare it with last year
• Write a short comment or question about one line
• Look at the official sources on the handout