Follow The Money: Healdsburg Hands Residents A Budget Calculator

HEALDSBURG, CA — The tension between what residents see day to day and how municipal spending gets organized has long been a source of constant irritation and complaints in many cities.

The friction is part of the reason cities began offering interactive budget tools, letting residents try balancing revenues and expenses — and giving elected officials a better idea about what they want and why.

Now Healdsburg is giving budget critics a turn at the calculator with two new tools. They are not an invitation to move into the finance director's office. Instead the new tools help residents simulate budget decisions and rank priorities across city services, including parks, streets, and public safety, as the city prepares its upcoming budget.

One tool lets users adjust spending and income across departments and submit comments on proposed spending. A second asks participants to rank programs and services, requiring tradeoffs between funding areas. Mayor Chris Herrod said the effort is intended to expand public participation in the budgeting process.

Two in-person workshops are planned next week for residents who prefer guided or paper-based participation. A Spanish-language session is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 3 at the Abel De Luna Community Center and for 6 p.m. on March 4 at the Healdsburg Senior Center. Finance Director Katie Edgar will lead both workshops.

To access the online budget tools, visit healdsburg.gov/budget.