The fourth and final citizen budget forum will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, 2251 N. 54th Street in Philadelphia. Registration begins at 6 p.m. Citizens are being asked for their input as the city is faced with a $200 million budget gap for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

This will be the last opportunity for citizens to participate in budget discussions that are supposed to help shape Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter’s next budget.

If you are wondering whether you would be comfortable at one of these events, the answer is yes. All that happens is people are moved into small groups of maybe 20 to 25 in each. Then for about 90 minutes everyone discusses the pros and cons of various budget cuts and tax hikes. For example, is anyone is in favor of closing the libraries or is anyone in favor of raising the wage tax 1/2 percent? That’s it. You can even study ahead of time. Here’s the worksheet that you’ll be using. The evening goes by pretty quick. Your moderators take notes on everything that the group agrees or disagrees on. A final report is issued which will be posted on this website later this week.

Hope to you see you there.