Top city officials already have a rough plan for how to spend that amount of revenue next year (and most of it will be spent to provide utility services), but they haven't gotten any input yet from their bosses: the taxpayers.

Mayor Rick Baker and the City Council will gather to listen to residents' ideas at 7 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 175 Fifth St. N.

The city makes a point to ask for public input on the budget earlier than state law requires, First Deputy Mayor Tish Elston said. By the time those hearings roll around, it is hard to change the budget, she said.

"We have an early forum so citizens can come out and discuss their budget priorities," she said. "Now is the time to speak up."

Neighbor charged in knife attack

TAMPA -- After neighbors discovered 59-year-old Rena Winnen unconscious and bleeding profusely from a 6-inch cut across her throat Monday morning, deputies arrived to question witnesses.

As deputies talked to one neighbor, another neighbor, Fred Jay Wilson, tore off his shirt and threatened to beat the witness for cooperating with authorities, deputies said.

Deputies obtained a warrant to search Wilson's home, Reder said. There, they found a folding knife covered in reddish brown stains that looked like blood. Although the stains hadn't been tested to confirm that suspicion, detectives said they had enough evidence to charge Wilson, 39, with attempted first-degree murder in the attack on Winnen.

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