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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa City Council is encouraging anyone with concerns regarding the city to voice their opinion at two city council meetings.

The public is invited to the Monday, December 5th and Monday, December 19th meetings at 5 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall. There will be no presentation by the council, instead, it will be residents' turn to speak in a formal setting.

"What we're doing is providing additional opportunities for residents to come and talk to the city council and staff about their concerns with the budget prior to starting the budget process," Ottumwa City Administrator Joe Helfenberger said.

The Council will then take each concern to the respective department, and hopefully address each of them when constructing the 2012-2013 budget.

Areas of concern include, but are not limited to, street maintenence and reconstruction, park repairs, transit service, trail expansion and upkeep, economic development, sewer operation, police and fire protection and flood and storm damage.