Town Budget Process – My Take

The recently adopted fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget, (starts July 1, 2024, ends June 30, 2025) was a tumultuous process.  

I want to provide my views on this process - specifically the Town’s outreach and community engagement/reactions.  

My Asks:

• This is YOUR town, your neighborhood - get engaged, ask questions, attend meetings – in person, online, or watch later on the La Plata YouTube channel. I know you are busy with your family, work, and other daily activities.  I also know this stuff is at times boring, and takes time to understand. But this is YOUR TOWN! 
• Research the facts! There was a lot of misinformation in the community. I was then very disappointed not only by the lack of information but also unintended harm to town staff, framing the tax increase, as us versus them. This will have a demoralizing impact on our workforce. 
• We all need to have skin in the game. Again, this is your community. This lack of engagement is reflected in the dismal turnout at Town Elections! I will confirm, but the 2021 voter turnout (-+ 1,000?) was below 10% of registered voters!  
• So, participate and vote! The next election is May 2025, with filing of applications due in late March 2025, if needed a primary (if 2 or more candidates file to the same ward), then our general election for Mayor and Council seats (4) in early May 2025. A detailed process is under development and will be released in early 2025.  

Outreach examples provided to the Town Council:

• Morrisville, NC Budget Connection Portal
• Charles County YouTube Let's Get Fiscal
• Davis, CA Budget Brief
• Charles County Budget Dollar