Editor:

I attended the Wednesday evening meeting of the Punta Gorda City Council in which the final millage rate and 2012-13 General Fund budget was adopted. And I left that meeting sorely disappointed. I was not disappointed that nearly 40 people were in attendance to voice their opposition to the proposed increase. No, that was their right. I was not disappointed in the action of the council members, who, after careful, diligent and agonizing months-long deliberations, and the hard work of city staff, department leaders, and employees, voted for the increase.