The Albert Lea City Council and the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners are in the middle of preparing the city and county budgets for 2016.

Tonight, residents can voice their opinions about the city’s budget in the regular City Council meeting.

Get out there and make your voices heard. Councilors and commissioners value public input.

Whether you are in favor or against the proposed budget, it is important to let these public leaders know where the community stands. If you are unable to attend, call or email your councilors.

The council is expected to vote on the preliminary budget and levy mid-September. It includes a likely 3 to 6 percent tax levy increase. One of the projects also included in the 2016 budget proposal is the acquisition of land near the public works building on Commercial Street. The acquisition would increase the amount of space presently at the shop and would be part of a two-phase project.

Don’t let the opportunity pass by to share your opinions.

The meeting today begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall.