Let your opinion be heard

For the last week the major topic of conversation in Parkersburg has been the proposed $3-a-week user fee to bail the city out of a $2.5 million anticipated deficit, caused by the economic downtown, rising costs and the announced change in status of St. Joseph's Hospital from for-profit to nonprofit, thus becoming exempt to most taxes.

The mayor has said there have been "private" discussions for more than a year concerning the anticipated shortfall, but the St. Joseph's Hospital status change brought everything to a head.

The mayor has discussed dramatic steps with city employees that need to be taken to help bring the city budget back into step with the economic downturn: Increased employee payments to the health care plan, freezing or elimination of longevity pay, continued study of manpower, continued elimination of holiday pay and reduction in overtime pay, increased costs of public records to citizens, etc.

The mayor, though, repeatedly has said any reduction in city staff will result in reduction in city services.

The mayor will hold a public informational session at 7 p.m. Tuesday in city council chambers to discuss the services the city provides and to gather ideas from the public on how to handle the shortfall.

For the last week, our website has been filled with comments on the user fee and the city budget. Now is the time for citizens to make their views known directly to the mayor and city administration. Attend the meeting and voice your opinions.