To prepare for development of the Town of Herndon’s 2012 budget, town officials will hold an open house for residents to learn more about the costs of town services and programs.

“Your Town—Your Budget” will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 in the lobby outside the Mary Ingram Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St. The town Council will hold its regularly scheduled work session the same evening at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.

Staff and directors from the departments of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Finance, Police and other town offices will be available to talk one-on-one with attendees about the services provided by the town and how much they cost.

The first public hearing on the 2012 budget will be held Feb. 8. During the hearing the council will ask for public input on budget priorities before the town manager releases his proposed budget.

Town Manager Art Anselene will release the proposed budget to the council by April 1. The council must approve a balanced budget by June 30, and the town’s fiscal year for 2012 begins on July 1, 2011.

"The fiscal climate in which we are operating demands that all services and programs are carefully scrutinized to ensure they are, in fact, desired and needed by the town's citizens," said Anselene, in a town news release.  "Our aim in hosting this open house is to further educate citizens about costs and to inspire greater citizen participation in the budget process."

For more information, call 703-435-6817 or e-mail information@herndon-va.gov.