It is more efficient to the overall system when citizens become involved in the development of the budget itself, rather than mounting a legal challenge to the result. The Department of Revenue has administrative oversight responsibility for Local Budget Law. The department prescribes forms, writes administrative rules to clarify the legal requirements, produces a manual for use by local governments, and provides training on the correct procedures. The law also specifically prohibits the Department of Revenue from interfering with the fiscal policy of a local government. As mentioned above, the legislature designed the procedures of Local Budget Law to encourage citizen participation.
Citizens can participate in a variety of ways.
Volunteer to become a budget committee member. Attend the budget committee and governing body budget meetings and the public hearing. Obtain a copy of the budget when it becomes available or simply review it at the office of the district. Vote on ballot measures for additional funding requested by the local government. Provide written or oral testimony to the budget committee or the governing body on the policy outlined in the budget, and, Respectfully challenge irregularities observed in the budget process.