As the City of Tomball and the City of Magnolia prepare the annual budgets for the 2012–13 fiscal year, public hearings have been set to give residents the chance to ask questions and voice concerns.

Tomball has scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 6 at 6 p.m., according to City Manager George Shackelford. Two public hearings must be held before the budget can be adopted.

Property tax in Tomball is projected to remain the same, as are utility rates including gas, water, sewage and garbage, Shackelford said.

A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the city secretary's office at City Hall, 401 Market St., Tomball. Residents can view the budget Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Magnolia's public hearing will be announced after the city confirms the date with J.R. Moore, Montgomery County's tax assessor-collector. The city has requested Aug. 14 as the date of the first hearing, which would lead into its regular city council meeting.

Tonight, a special city council meeting has been scheduled in Magnolia to consider the proposed tax rate. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 18111 Buddy Riley Blvd., Magnolia.