Mayor John Inyart expects one theme that has been on everyone’s mind during the past year-and-a-half to be prevalent during the City Council’s annual two-day retreat, which starts today.

That theme is the ongoing effects of the economic recession. The city is currently experiencing a $300,000 shortfall, which has caused city officials to examine possible spending cuts for this year and next year.

“Everybody is painfully aware we are going to be in another tight financial year,” Inyart said.

The 11th annual planning retreat allows council members to meet with different department officials to review prior initiatives and plan for future ones. The retreat lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Friday in the basement of City Hall, 520 Jackson Ave.

Inyart said every city department has a renewed focus on efficiencies along with budget prioritization. He imagines every department will present ways to stretch taxpaying dollars, as the city prepares for the coming fiscal year, which begins in May.

“It’s a different sense of urgency this year than it has been in the past years,” Inyart said.

He said the retreat allows for comprehensive planning and allows the council members to give feedback departments about possible initiatives.

Inyart said it is important to have the retreat in December because each department starts formulating budgets in January for the coming fiscal year.

The public is encouraged to attend both days of the retreat. Inyart said open planning conversations allow residents to see what direction the Charleston government is taking.

He said the open sessions also allow residents to gain insight on certain ideas, which allows them to shape their opinion on preliminary ideas. Public comment will not be allowed during the retreat, but Inyart said attending the retreat allows residents plenty of time to respond to the government’s plans.

Each department head will present their report to the council through PowerPoint presentation and handouts. Open planning sessions will take place toward the end of Friday’s session.

Inyart said this year’s retreat will feature a new format in which council members will be able to converse and question department officials during their respective presentations.

“We are going to have a little more of a roundtable discussion,” he said.

Stephen Di Benedetto can be reached at 581-7942 or sdibenedetto@eiu.edu.