A new story in the Georgia Municipal Authority’s questionably titled “Breaking News” section details Decatur’s new “narrative” approach to the city budget. [h/t: InDecatur]

This year, instead of just dumping a bunch of numbers on a couple reams of paper, Decatur’s many departments went to the effort of creating a “narrative” version of the budget, which not only makes for easier reading but also helps give all those line items a bit more context.

Yet, even after creating this more reader-friendly budget, there were still reports of very low resident turnout at the June budget meetings.  And that can only mean one of two things.  One. Everyone is completely satisfied with and clear about the city’s 09-10 budget and goals.  Or Two. That even after this extra effort was taken, virtually no one (myself included) read the full document and then followed up at the meeting.

I’m going to assume the latter and take some emergency, redemptive steps to remedy this potential lapse in citizen responsibility.  Starting tomorrow, DM will feature daily posts that highlight one city department’s budget priorities for the upcoming year.

Sound boring?  Actually, it’s pretty interesting, if, like me,  you’re interested in the projects the city will spend money on in this coming fiscal year.  So stay tuned.

Decatur Metro: Having fun with the city budget since 2009.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the school board has had to move it’s special session to discuss the potential DeVry annexation until Thursday.  I assume it will be at the same time and place: 630p @ Westchester.

I’ve also confirmed that I was incorrect to insinuate in the previous post that the Superintendent was ready to support the annexation.  Just add it to the list of times I’ve been tripped up by legalese.

Thanks to Judd for the tip and to Asst. Superintendent Thomas Van Soelen for confirming.

Sad news.

Decatur Active Living reports over on 231 Sycamore that Seniors/Keenagers Coordinator, Christine Lewis, passed away over the weekend from complications from a stroke.  She was 57 years-old.

My deepest condolences to her family, friends and coworkers.

Jonathan writes in to let us know that DeKalb Musician’s Supply at 113 Clairemont is having an “impressive moving sale starting today (Monday, 7/27) and running throughout the week. Everything in the store is 40% off.”

Not to sound completely dense, but are they really moving?  They’re one of the “old guard” of Decatur businesses along the Clairemont strip.  The city truly won’t be the same without their store, crammed to the doorstop with musical instruments and parts.

Good sale though.

UPDATE: According to their website, the same 40% sale also applies at neighboring Emile Baran.  Are they moving too?