Budget needs to be prioritized

I agree with Councilmember Largo Wales concerning city budgeting (“Financial situation not dire, but does need help,” Auburn Reporter, April 19). Priorities must be identified and personnel cuts should be made according to those priorities.

The budget needs to be reviewed with a fine-toothed comb, line item by line item.

To Auburn taxpayers who have to foot the bill, there is nothing personal about setting priorities.

I, for one, am not willing to increase my taxes (utility fees included) to keep city personnel and department heads happy. Safety for our citizens outweighs travel and training, Sister City expenses, etc. That is not hard-hearted, that is just good money management.

– Marie-Anne Harkness