Thank you for covering the story in Tuesday’s paper about the city budget. I appreciate the insight into our city’s finances. In light of the increases in expenses and the concern that citizens may have to such increases, I’d like to share a few thoughts.

I am glad that our leadership is taking us forward with the programs and offerings described in the article. This is how we stay current as a community and I feel is a good contribution toward changing the stigma that many younger residents of our city have — that is that Albert Lea doesn’t have much to offer. I know the programs described won’t directly serve the appetite for entertainment that exists, but it’s a step in the right direction I feel.

Decisions to spend money aren’t easy, and I appreciate the tone of the article is of trying to reduce the budget. But I’d like to celebrate our leaders for being the leaders they are and spending money as wisely as they have.

An alternate solution to budget cuts is, of course, increasing income. If I remember correctly, I read in one of the books in the library about the town’s history, and in the book it explained how at first the library was volunteer-based and raised its funds from donations. I’m not suggesting that the library staff give up their paychecks. What I mean to inspire is donations from the community. I suppose the library already does receive donations, but I felt it was worth raising the idea in the paper here to see if any of our generous citizens would feel inclined to support the growth of our city. I’ve heard of annuities and can imagine this would be a great way to provide a better future for the next generation. Donations are a great way to reduce the strain of our city’s budget for the library or any municipal feature. I’d be thrilled to learn about what is already happening in this regard also.

Lucas Schuster

Albert Lea