"Why?That's what we asked of the city budget, and we're pleased to say that's what we got.Readers may recall that a year ago in this space, we lamented an element missing from the annual tome on city spending - a simple, easy-to-digest justification of new programs and expenditures. Amongst all the whats and how muchs, various citizens noted, there were no whys.We're pleased to note that this year's preliminary budget - now available for public perusal at city hall - includes just such a page for every proposed purchase or program, with a brief explanation and projected costs for the next four years - all prioritized and measured against city goals and policies. A summary of new expenditures wraps the proposals up in a neat package, with cumulative budget impacts.Let's take the example of a new public works position, one of several called for by that department. An excerpt of what readers will find:* * * * *Description of improvement: Add one permanent full-time Public Works Worker...to address increased maintenance needs of new City Hall, Commons, and North (Public Works) Yard Annex, as well as ongoing maintenance needs for Police, Courts and Waterfront Park facilities. No new staff have been added to meet these increased needs and ongoing activities in the past five years.2001 Total Cost: $72,000 ($39,000 per person annum, including benefits; 1/2-ton van, $30,000; supplies, $3,000).Future Cost: 2002: $42,000 (plus CPI). 2003: $42,000 (plus CPI). 2004: $42,000 (plus CPI).Alternatives: Maintain existing level of service with current staff; use contractors for daily maintenance needs (note: may be problematic, as approximately equal staff required to manage this type of activity, hence, no net savings).Advantages of Approval: Timely response to maintenance issues; reduce facility life-cycle costs by planning rather than reacting to facility maintenance needs.Implications of Denial: Slower maintenance and premature equipment failure; citizen displeasure with investment in poorly maintained facilities.* * * * *Now, the budget is always a lightning rod, and whether city council members or the public will agree that the requests are justified is another matter entirely. (In this case, some will surely note with chagrin the higher ongoing maintenance costs that come with the new city hall building and the expanded police department - where are the savings?). But the new format should give a better critical framework within which to consider the various proposals, inspiring better-informed ire if nothing else.The city has earned plaudits several times over the past few years for the clarity of the budget presentation. This new format should be good for another ribbon or two on the wall. "

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