In a few weeks, Washington’s City Council will begin cobbling the city’s budget for fiscal year 2011-2012, which begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2012.

During those meetings, which are open to the public, a visitor likely will see the mayor, council members, city manager, department heads, media representatives and, perhaps, one or two members of the public. The members of the public are far outnumbered by officials and reporters.

That’s sad. Considering that the upcoming budget will affect the public, especially Washington residents and all Washington Electric Utilities customers, there should be more city residents attending such meetings and providing input on how the city should spend taxpayers’ money.

Each spring, a fair number of people usually attend the required public hearing on the proposed budget, but many of them represent groups seeking money from the city. The number of “average” city residents who attend such hearings can be counted on two hands, if not one hand.

That’s a shame. City taxpayers should have a say in how the city spends the taxes they pay. City taxpayers should make their needs and desires known. Those who provide the money to pay the city’s bills should have a say in how that money is spent.

Taxpayers who want the city to spend more money on parks should let their wish be known. Taxpayers who want the city to explore the possibility of cutting expenses by outsourcing some services now provided by the city should make their case in public. City officials would love more input from the public. Ask them.

It’s difficult to sympathize with people who, year in and year out, find fault with the budget approved by the council. In many instances, those who complain the loudest are those who rarely, if ever, attend meetings and hearings related to the budget. These people are quick to point fingers, but they are slow to offer a helping hand, if they ever offer a helping hand.

Washington taxpayers should not expect the mayor and five council members to have all the answers when it comes to the city’s budget. Expecting that is a bit unrealistic. By asking for input from the city’s taxpayers, the council is tapping into one of the city’s vital assets ą its people.

Those who live, work and play in Washington are best suited to help make it a better place to live. Who better to know what the city needs and wants than those who live in Washington?

Getting involved with city government should not be just voting for a mayor and council members every two years. That involvement should include making one’s voice heard when budgets are cobbled.

Get involved at budget time. It will make a difference.