There are few things as worrisome to many in the community as the Minot city budget and its impact on property taxes. There are also few things as complicated and sometimes arcane as municipal finance. This latter fact leaves some feeling that the city hasn’t been transparent enough when it comes to the 2019 budget – whereas in reality, city officials have been telegraphing what the budget situation is for many months and have attempted to be very proactively transparent.

It just so happens that the topic is complex and requires pretty intense review and analysis to fully understand.

Taxpayers have a few more chances to learn about the budget and to perhaps have their say in the weeks ahead.

The city council will hold a special public hearing on Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers for the budget’s first reading. Another special council meeting will be held Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers to approve the 2019 budget on second reading. All meetings are open to the public.

Recognizing resistance among taxpayers and potential misunderstandings, it seems likely the city will go out of its way to clarify important points and to be amenable to yet more information and perspective sharing. At least one would hope.

These are excellent opportunities to learn more about the budget and the process and to speak to those in charge of that process.

Minot Daily News strongly encourages city residents and other stakeholders to consider taking part in these meetings.