LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington's annual budgeting process is entering its public phase, with Mayor Linda Gorton scheduled to present her budget priorities Tuesday, April 14th, according to CivicLex.

The mayor's address will take place at 3 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Lexington's Government Center, located at 200 East Main Street. Residents unable to attend in person can watch the speech live on LexTV, which typically makes recordings available afterward.

The budget address marks the start of intensive work by the Urban County Council to develop spending priorities for the fiscal year beginning July 1. In April and May, councilmembers will meet with city departments and divisions in "link" meetings to discuss funding needs and priorities not addressed in the mayor's proposal. The first of three Committee of the Whole meetings is scheduled for April 21st, where the links will present proposed changes and councilmembers can suggest additional modifications.

Residents have several opportunities to influence the budget process. A public survey is available on Engage Lexington and closes Friday, April 17th. Residents can also provide public comment during upcoming Council work sessions and meetings, with calendar dates available online. Additionally, the mayor will hold a public budget hearing on May 14th at 6 p.m.

The budget process has been underway since early in the year, when departments and divisions submitted funding requests to the mayor's office. City council must adopt a final budget through first and second readings before the July 1st start of the new fiscal year.