Toledo councilman hosts budget webinar

City Councilman Tom Waniewski speaks during a press conference at the GOP Headquarters in Toledo, Ohio.

A Toledo councilman is holding the city’s first ever virtual budget meeting Wednesday night.

Tom Waniewski, who represents Toledo’s District 5, will host a live webinar for city residents between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Residents can log into the live webinar from the comfort of their own homes, hear a presentation from city officials and ask questions about the proposed 2012 budget.

Mayor Mike Bell’s budget plan hinges on major concessions from city workers and reduces spending on road repairs, criminal justice, and recreation programs. However, the $235 million proposal does maintain core city services, avoids tax hikes, and would add 30 officers each to the police and fire departments at the end of the year.

The plan includes an infusion of $11 million in capital improvement dollars into the city’s general fund, diverting money that would otherwise go to infrastructure projects.

Council must approve a final budget by March 31, although administration officials have said they hope to have it in place by the end of the month.

Mr. Waniewski said he hopes the online meeting will encourage more people to get involved in learning about the budget.

To access the webinar go to www.anymeeting.com/distfive1 at 6 p.m.

Residents are advised to conduct a test on their computers prior to the meeting to ensure the Web site works properly. To conduct the test, go to www.anymeeting.com/webconference/systemtest.