To ensure an open, inclusive, broad-based and clear understanding of the City’s budget process, Mayor Cedric B. Glover has directed his technology staff to place the entire, detailed proposed 2009 City Operating Budget on the City’s website www.shreveportla.gov .

“The citizens of Shreveport need to be able to see and read the budget for themselves, and know that we are working hard to be responsible with their tax dollars and not digging holes that later will prove difficult to fill,” says Mayor Glover.

Citizens can view Mayor Glover’s Budget Letter, a condensed Budget Summary, or read through each page of the 480 page budget. After viewing the document, the website also offers residents the opportunity to submit their input, which is a vital component of the budget process.

In this open and inclusive process, Mayor Glover is also pushing to have the budget work sessions, previously held in his conference room, moved to a larger area to accommodate more citizens and more media coverage … a move that requires the approval of council members.

“I believe it is critical for citizens to have the correct information and witness the deliberations and arguments for or against certain expenditures,” says Glover.

Dates, times and information on those public budget work sessions will be posted on the website www.shreveportla.gov. The executive budget, submitted to Council for their consideration and ultimate final passage, must be approved by December 15, 2008.

“This is a responsible budget that allows us to pursue some opportunities that will help us move forward, while maintaining the obligation to provide services for our citizens and fiscal integrity. That is the goal of the budget I have submitted to Council and my goal is to keep the citizens of this City engaged as we move through this budget process.”