The Carrboro Board of Aldermen will hear comments from the public tonight regarding community needs and priorities for fiscal year 2015-16.

At last week’s meeting, Finance Director Arche McAdoo walked the mayor and alderpersons through the town’s Capital Improvements Program through fiscal year 2020-21.

According to Town manager David Andrews, the program is not a budget appropriation – it’s a tool for developing a long-term plan to identify both immediate and long-term needs.

The total estimated cost for the CIP through fiscal 2020-21 is $49.3 million. Fifty-seven percent of the proposed funding comes from debt.

In a recent conversation with WCHL, Lavelle said that the first public budget hearing of the year is generally a low-key affair, with lots of familiar faces.

“If anyone has issues or questions or thoughts about the budget, that’s our first public hearing,” said Lavelle.

By law, there will be another public hearing after Town Manger David Andrews presents the budget, which he’s scheduled to do on May 5.

Another public hearing will follow on May 26, and perhaps another hearing afterward, if needed.

The Board of Alderman plans to adopt the final budget on June 16.

Tonight’s Board of Aldermen meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at Carrboro’s Town Hall, located at 301 West Main Street.

Carrboro residents can send written suggestions for the Town Clerk at that address. The zip code is 27510.

Or fax them to 919-918-4456.