Sonoma County Launches Instant Online Budget Info

SONOMA COUNTY - A new online open budget tool has been launched in Sonoma County to provide instant access to budget information, according to County officials.

The SoCo Budget tool provides detailed information on the $1.6 billion recommended operating budget in Sonoma County.

County officials said the tool is the latest in a series of new online reporting tools that Sonoma County has released to increase government transparency and the public's access to information.

"With an interactive visual interface that allows the public to explore charts and graphs of summary data, SoCo Budget simplifies budget information and increases access for citizens," Board of Supervisors Chair Efren Carrillo said in a statement.

According to County officials, in the coming months the County's Information Services Department is scheduled to continue development of additional online services, including online tools to provide opportunities for the public to engage with their local government and attend virtual town hall meetings and civic online forums.

-Bay City News