The City of Novi published City Administration's recommended budget for 2007 - 2008 yesterday, and what a document it is.

Looking through the 248 pages, which runs the gambit from a Citizen's Guide to the document, recommended budgets for each department, and even a glossary of terms, it's clear a lot of time and effort when in to this.

In Novi, we are fortunate to have knowledgeable experts producing such quality results. This document is, in short, our city's expert's recommendations on what we should do for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Most of the city's budget is fixed, so to speak, from year to year. There is not a lot of discretionary spending, but what discretionary spending there is will surely be the topic of debate over the coming weeks as City Council decides what the actual budget will be.

Our paid experts, educated and experienced in such matters and living within city government every work day, have made their recommendations. It is only prudent that we carefully consider their recommendations by digesting the budget document in its entirety.

We the People are pleased that our experts prepared such a quality budget document, and pleased that it was presented to the people for everyone to review and comment. This is a top-notch example of open government for which we are thankful.

Now, let's hope those we've elected to make decisions for us are also open - open minded, open about their agendas, and most importantly open to the recommendations of our experts.

After all, that's why we have experts in the first place.

p.s. - One point the budget document makes clear is that our Novi Police Department can and should use available forfeiture funds to pay down the existing police headquarters debt, make necessary improvements to the building, and complete the planned indoor gun range for officer safety training. After all that, there's still $800,000 left over for other purposes.

These forfeiture funds must be used for police purposes, and some of these funds must be allocated by June. That means prompt action by City Council is necessary in this regard. To not do so would be a huge embarrassment for our fine city.