In recent days, local governments all over the region have approved budgets that call for property tax increases. Commissioners in Zebulon and Knightdale have joined their brethren at the county level to enact tax hikes. Wendell commissioners were expected to do the same Monday night after the time of this writing. As distasteful as those increases are, it’s unreasonable for anyone to think that government can provide the same level of service people have come to expect without spending more money.

What is missing in this equation is public involvement. Commissioners hold public hearings, they open their budget sessions to residents.

But residents don’t often get involved in the budget process early enough, if at all. As the budget is prepared, commissioners are asked to make a host of choices – do they want to increase payroll? Do they want to buy new police cars? Build a fire station?

The answer to all those questions and so many more like them, of course, is yes. Commissioners would be happy to point to accomplishments like those come re-election time.

But those decisions aren’t made in a vacuum. If payroll grows or a fire station rises from the ground, something else has to shrink or taxes have to go up. Or some combination of them both has to take place. In Knightdale this year, council members found themselves backing up after a year spent in anticipation of significantly higher tax revenues with the construction of a new Wal-Mart shopping center.

When the developers of that project pulled the plug, Knightdale’s revenue growth was pedestrian. In Wendell, commissioners are faced with the prospect of paying up front costs associated with the Wendell Falls development which the town hopes will one day add impressive totals to the town’s budget. Only in Zebulon have residents really spoken with a singular voice. There, voters spoke last year when they overwhelmingly approved a bond issue to renovate the old Wakelon School.

For residents of that town, this year’s tax increase is part of their commitment to the old school that will become the new town hall.

This year’s budget season in virtually complete. Come next week, local government staffers will begin with clean spreadsheets.

But it will be a great time for residents to start highlighting their budget priorities for next year.

Is setting aside some money for a rainy day a priority? Let your Town Board know.

Is it important to build sidewalks and pave dirt streets? Tell a Town Board member or a town finance officer?

Are there major expenditures the towns should spread out over time? Tell your town leaders.

And last but not least, are there projects that all three towns could partner on as a way to leverage everyone’s buying power? If so, say something now and press your case early in next year’s budget season.