Bringing city hall to the bar? Well, that's exactly what Troy Mayor Patrick Madden did to discuss his 2018 budget proposal in a more casual setting. Michael Howard was there and has more about this unique event.

TROY, N.Y. -- Served up was an unusual twist on a yearly event Monday night. Troy’s budget Workshop and Community Conversation was set in a different spot, inside Browns Brewing’s Revolution Hall.

“Last year we did it at a couple of different venues this is just trying out another venue and seeing if we get people to come here that didn’t show up at city hall last year. You have to go where the people are not where you want them to be,” Troy Mayor Patrick Madden said.

The event gives the community a chance to hear Madden’s 2018 proposed budget and ask questions.

Following years of instability he says, his 2018 budget includes a tax increase of 1.17 percent. The last two years the city has seen 22 less positions due to cuts. This year’s proposed budget adds four positions and more.

“The tax increase is under 2 percent, but it does include a solid waste management fee that will start getting us on the right road to better management of our waste stream,” Madden said.

Madden says he has delivered the budget to the city’s common council where they will hold hearings with an ideal date to pass a budget by November 29. He says he’s optimistic of the city’s future.

“Troy is still struggling with its finances, were not out of the woods but were certainly I feel going in the right direction,” said Madden.