June is a very busy month: high school and college graduations, weddings, and, for Astoria, the consideration of a budget for the fiscal year 2017-18. There is a budget committee composed of the mayor, the other four council members and five citizen members appointed by the mayor. All the city departments, various outside agencies who contribute to the good of the community, and the Warrenton-Astoria Area Chamber of Commerce seek funding from the property tax base and lodging taxes.

The total allocated to the agencies who provide musical and artistic programs and others who provide safety nets for needy and troubled citizens is only $50,000. The total allocated to the Chamber of Commerce is close to $300,000. Not satisfied with that amount, the Chamber has requested that in the future its funding should be a percentage of the lodging taxes collected.

Needless to say, as it has been for the past two years, there was serious discussion about how this large amount is utilized, and how much it really benefits the city. It is undisputed that the number of visitors to our fair city has steadily increased over the past few years; but there is not a scintilla of substantial evidence that this has been due to the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce.

At one point in this discussion, the Budget Committee chairman forbade further debate. The chairman is also on the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce.

Apart from the large discrepancy in funds provided to various agencies compared with what is provided to the Chamber, under the proposed budget, the Parks and Recreation Department will have a $100,000 shortfall. This will result in limiting recreation programs, neglecting maintenance of our many parks, the scenic Riverwalk and possible closure of the Astoria Aquatic Center.

Good people of Astoria, something is out of whack in this budget. You may review the budget by going to www.astoria.or.us; on the left side of the page under “Information Links,” click on “Finance Budget Information.”

On Monday, June 5, at 7 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, there will be a public hearing regarding the budget. The total to be distributed is over $37 million.

Good people, this is your money. Hopefully you will attend this hearing, even if you have to forfeit a bit of your evening and leisure time. Come and let the City Council know that you are concerned about how and where your money is spent.

George McCartin

Astoria