Many Ironton residents are up in arms over some of the proposed changes being discussed during the budgeting process. And that is OK — if they take the time to make their voices heard.

Sort of like the old adage, it is time to speak now or forever (or at least until the next election), hold your peace.

The council’s finance committee will meet Thursday and Saturday this week as it finetunes changes to the city’s operating budget that may need to trim as much as $500,000 if the city’s revenue doesn’t increase.

Some citizens may think these financial issues sound boring and wonder why they should care.

The answer is simple: The ramifications of these changes could cost you and impact the services you receive.

If that is not motivation enough to speak out, it is difficult to determine what would be.

Citizens have the right — and a responsibility even — to tell their elected representatives what they like and do not like about these proposed changes.

That opportunity starts Thursday.

To stay relegated to the sidelines on such important issues isn’t being part of the solution.

If you have ideas, then share them with those who are making the decisions.

Who knows? It could make all the difference in the world.