Take my money, please. Preparing for budget and tax stories

On Wednesday we're going to consider the way local budgets and taxes are covered. There are a variety of approaches to this topic, some more full of piss and vinegar than others. Some that make more sense than others, too.

Examples of the former often show up on local blogs, like this missive from EcoRoving Blackbirds, which is actually an exclamation point response to Pete Talbot's less explosive thoughts at 4&20 Blackbirds.

Now that you see how much fun covering a local budget debate can be, here's the more pedestrian approach the Missoulian took, covering the city budget one step at a time:

• Aug. 6: A $250,000 budget deficit is revealed.
  
• Aug. 14: That gap widens to $367,000.
• Aug. 21: Debate about what to do gets heated, and cut short.
• Sept. 9: City Council passes the budget.

Cities, of course, aren't the only entities that struggle with budgets. Counties, federal agencies and national parks all struggle to balance needs and wants with money coming in.

Read these to get a sense of how a budget story might unravel. Read the agenda for next Monday's city council meeting so you can know before you go. Monday, Oct. 6, you'll be covering the meeting with a midnight deadline.