The Seattle City Council wild hold three public hearings on city budget issues, including one in Ballard, to give residents the opportunity to share opinions and offer input for the council’s 2010 budget process.

According to a release from Jean Godden, chair of the council's Finance and Budget Committee, the public is encouraged to let their voices be heard, particularly during a time when the city is facing a $72 million budget shortfall.

Public Hearings are scheduled for:

Wednesday, Oct. 7 - Whitman Middle School, 9201 15th Ave. N.W., 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct 14 - Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 26 - Seattle City Hall Council Chambers, 600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 2, 5:30 p.m.

Sign-up to speak starting at 5 p.m. The public hearings will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. More information on the budget can be found at www.seattle.gov/council.